On New Year’s Eve, air pollutant concentrations in Chișinău exceeded permissible limits by ten times, reaching 295.6 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter of air, according to the Environmental Agency. "These exceedances are largely linked to the use of pyrotechnic materials and weather conditions that favor pollutant accumulation," the agency told IPN.
According to the Environmental Agency’s daily bulletin on pollution and air quality forecasts, "in the last 24 hours, the influence of a warm air sector, atmospheric retention layers, and weak winds contributed to pollutant accumulation in the air." The agency noted that as of January 2, pollutant concentrations in Chisinau and Balti had exceeded permissible limits for nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, with levels up to 3.4 times higher than the maximum allowable norm. "These exceedances are largely due to pyrotechnic materials and weather conditions that promote pollutant accumulation", specialists explained.
From December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, significant exceedances of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels were recorded in both urban and rural areas. At the automatic monitoring station in Mateuți, Rezina district, PM2.5 particles exceeded maximum allowable limits by 1.4 times. "The warm air sector, weak winds, and atmospheric stratification facilitated pollutant accumulation", reported the Environmental Agency.
Fireworks: A major source of pollution
According to experts, fireworks release fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10), heavy metals like barium, strontium, and copper, as well as toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Silviu Racila, a project manager with the "Rural Revival" Association, explained: "After 23:00, fine particle concentrations rose significantly, exceeding maximum allowable limits by up to 400%. This pollution directly affects air quality and public health," Racila told IPN.
Fireworks also contribute to smog and acid rain, reduce visibility, and harm biodiversity. "Heavy metals from fireworks can contaminate soil and water, while inhaled fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions", the expert warned.
"On December 31, air quality was affected by the high number of vehicles and traffic jams in Chisinau, which led to PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceeding maximum limits by approximately 50%. After 11:00 PM, concentrations began rising significantly and remained elevated until 6:30–7:00 on January 1, 2025, with exceedances between 200% and 400% caused by fireworks. As of January 2, pollutant concentrations were up to 200% of maximum allowable limits between 8:30 and 12:00, returning to normal levels thereafter," Racila explained.
Situation in Chisinau and Balti
The Environmental Agency also reported pollutant exceedances in the following days. In Chisinau, carbon monoxide levels exceeded norms by 3.4 times, while formaldehyde levels were nearly five times higher post-New Year’s, on January 1 and 2. In Balti, suspended particles and nitrogen dioxide exceeded limits by up to 1.8 times. "Weak winds and atmospheric retention layers contributed to pollutant accumulation", the agency explained.
Eco-Friendly solutions for the future
Experts recommend less polluting alternatives to fireworks, such as drone shows and LED light displays. These options provide an impressive spectacle without negative environmental impacts. "We must become aware of the effects of fireworks on health and the environment and take steps to reduce them," emphasized Sergiu Racila, project manager with the "Rural Revival" Association.
Each person inhales approximately 14 kg of air daily, and polluted air penetrates the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory diseases, asthma, lung cancer, and strokes. Air pollution leads to 7 million premature deaths globally each year.
On New Year’s Eve, five people died in Germany while attempting to light fireworks. Additionally, a police officer was seriously injured on New Year’s night by pyrotechnic articles. These figures were presented by German police, according to RNZ.
