Every year, at about this time, fireworks dealers begin setting up tents in shopping centers and vacant lots, hoping to lure in customers who are eager to celebrate on July 4. While it's true that fireworks can be fun and meaningful for many people, these chemical concoctions are actually more harm than they are worth.

Most people are unaware of the severity of the dangers fireworks pose. Look at the word for a second. Fireworks. Hmm...that seems to contain a familiar word- fire. Could people possibly be playing with fire when they set off fireworks? You bet. And if something were to go wrong, the consequences could be detrimental. Every year, it seems, at least someone is severely hurt or killed in a fire sparked by the careless launch of fireworks.

Even if your fireworks don't set the neighborhood ablaze, they still pose enormous threats. Simple accidents with certain kinds of fireworks, namely sparklers, can lead to severe burns. Parents who allow their children to play with sparklers are incredibly irresponsible and put their children at great risk.

Moving on to the less obvious now.

The loud noises fireworks produce are not only a nuisance to those of us opposed to fireworks, they can also harm the ears of animals. Many animals, including dogs and horses, have much more sensitive ears than humans do. Hearing fireworks go off perpetually can be both frightening and painful. How would you like to hear one sonic boom after another for hours on end?

Believe it or not, the chemicals used in fireworks are harmful to the environment and human health as well. For example, barium, which produces the green color in many fireworks, is highly toxic and radioactive. Lead, used as an oxidizer, can stunt the development of children and is also poisonous to plants and animals. The firework propellant, ammonium per chlorate, contaminates water and can potentially disrupt thyroid functions. Fireworks contain many other harmful chemicals with similar environmental and heath consequences.

Personally, I could do without fireworks altogether, but I'm an environmentalist and I happen to have rather sensitive ears. However, I'm not suggesting that everyone should give up fireworks.

Instead of launching your own fireworks, watch a professional display. That way, more people can enjoy the same fireworks, thus reducing the environmental impact. Plus, the professionals have received special safety training and are capable of producing much more elaborate series of fireworks than your average Joe.

So, this Independence Day, celebrate the freedom associated with the United States, and choose to declare your independence from fireworks.

Hannah Smith is astudent at Bear Creek High School and enjoys spending time with animals, volunteering and playing the violin.