Rome, 23 December (LaPresse) – ‘Let's stop firecrackers and fireworks.’ Ahead of New Year's Eve, the WWF is asking local councils to ban firecrackers and fireworks with special ordinances because ‘they cause trauma, disorientation, chaotic flight and immediate shock in wild animals, often with fatal consequences but also long-term effects, such as behavioural changes and damage to the reproductive system; and they cause panic, anxiety and stress in domestic animals.’ In addition, “fireworks in cities can also damage vegetation”. Added to this is “significant air pollution due to the presence of heavy metals, particulates and perchlorates”.