Bread, Circuses, and the Big Bang!

“Give them bread and circuses, and they will never revolt.” Juvenal, Roman poet.  (circa 55–127 A.D.)  

An Editorial by Anna Christensen, Anti-Fireworks Advocate from Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California, April 21st, 2026 – Derived from Juvenal’s observation, the contemporary phrase “bread and circuses” means to gain public approval, not by excellence in public service or policy, but by creating diversions that gratify basic desires or needs.

The pros and cons of fireworks shows are being debated, locally, nationally, and globally. At the epicenter is a history of providing public spectacle for the masses as a distraction from social ills and institutional shortcomings that is conjoined with the abuse of fellow humans and animals.

Given the tradition and presumed benefits of gathering to witness explosions of light and sound, those raising legitimate health and safety concerns are likely to be met with disapproval and outright denial.

Scientific evidence demonstrates that fireworks are composed of and release extremely toxic chemicals and further proves that fireworks explosions result in suffering, panic, and untimely deaths across multiple species. Regardless, promoters of fireworks shows can count on the general public to be disappointed and even outraged when regulatory action becomes an impediment to their collective pleasure.

Is it possible for us, as a society, to acknowledge loss while embracing change? Romans, rich and poor alike, thoroughly enjoyed elaborately staged performances in public amphitheaters (“circuses”) where animals and men slaughtered each other, prisoners of war, presumed enemies of the state, and Christian martyrs. There was surely disappointment when the Empire could no longer provide such entertainment.

For centuries, public executions attracted thousands of celebrants and generated income for vendors of memorabilia and other merch. Dating from the Middle Ages in Europe, this entertainment included beheadings by guillotine during the French Revolution and legal and illegal public hangings in the U.S. from our Republic’s inception into the 20th century. Presumably some argued that the show must go on.

Today we recognize that the cumulative harm of these gruesome displays far outweighed their entertainment value. As for the “bread” part of the equation, whether for charity, profit, or patriotism, spectacle is not a legitimate substitute for practices and policies foundational to an equitable and sustainable society. Rather than uplifting a donor class and categorizing youth as charity cases, we must take responsibility for dismantling the systemic inequities that result in child poverty. If we truly care for boys and girls, we will not use them as an excuse to harm the water they swim in, the air they breathe, and the planet they have inherited.

With respect to the science behind ending fireworks shows, Dr. Ron Askeland (PhD in analytical chemistry), explains that: “Fireworks create a toxic fog of fine particles, poisonous aerosols and heavy metals. Pollutants are highly concentrated and the particles are small enough to be easily inhaled. These toxic gasses and pollutants poison the air, water and soil, making them toxic to birds, wildlife, pets, livestock – and people. Some of the most hazardous chemicals released by fireworks are heavy metals including barium, copper, lead, chromium, silver and antimony. These toxic metals accumulate in the environment. In addition, perchlorate compounds, such as Ammonium Perchlorate and Potassium Perchlorate, are often used as oxidizers to aid in the combustion reaction. High levels of perchlorates are found in water after fireworks displays and can persist for months, contaminating ground and surface water. Perchlorates are potent thyroid disruptors, with far reaching ecological impacts.The colors given off by fireworks are due to chemical explosions of metal salts. The explosions themselves release smoke and gasses such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide (NOx) and these are some of the primary greenhouse gasses responsible for climate change. Fireworks create large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10, with aerodynamic diameters of less than or equal to 2.5µm and 10µm, respectively). Metal atoms end up in aerosols that poison the air, the water and the soil. When inhaled or ingested, these metals can cause a huge variety of short- and long-term reactions, ranging from vomiting, diarrhea or asthma attacks, to kidney disease, cardiotoxic effects and a variety of cancers. The air quality in the vicinity of fireworks often reaches the Hazardous level on the Air Quality Index (everyone should avoid all physical activities outdoors).

Sudden loud noises created by fireworks can damage hearing, trigger mental health episodes in those who suffer from PTSD and can lead to life-threatening injuries to pets, livestock and wildlife.

Although protected by the Migratory Bird Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Coastal Act and multiple other laws, the rookeries of America’s bays remain under threat from fireworks shows. We who love wildlife say: enough already. Time to join the 21st century.