How loud are firecrackers?
Firecrackers produce peak levels of about 142 to 171 dB SPL, depending on distance. A US study of consumer firecrackers recorded typical peaks of 171 dB at 0.5 m and 142 dB at 8 m, far above the 140 dB peak limit used in workplace rules.
- Level
- 142–171 dB peakunweighted peak sound pressure level
- Daily limit
- No safe unprotected exposureimpulse noise
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. Typical peak sound pressure levels (dB SPL, unweighted) of consumer firecrackers recorded outdoors at distances from 0.5 m to 8 m.
Firecrackers make a short, intense impulse rather than a steady noise. Flamme and colleagues found only subtle differences between firecracker types, but large differences with distance: typical peaks of 171 dB SPL at 0.5 m falling to 142 dB SPL at 8 m.
Their risk estimates put the number of safe unprotected exposures at 0 to 2 at 0.5 m. They advise limiting or avoiding unprotected exposure if firecrackers are set off in batches within 8 m.
A guinea pig study exposed animals to firecrackers at 0.8 m with a peak level at the ear of 155 dBC; after 50 or 100 exposures 24 of 28 animals showed pronounced inner-ear sensory cell loss.
How dangerous is a 142–171 dB peak?
A peak of 171 dB is at or above 140 dB, the impulse limit used by NIOSH and OSHA and the EU and UK exposure limit value. A single exposure at close range can damage hearing.
| Rule | Peak limit | This sound |
|---|---|---|
| UK and EU lower exposure action value | 135 dB(C) | Above |
| UK and EU upper exposure action value | 137 dB(C) | Above |
| UK and EU exposure limit value; NIOSH and OSHA impulse ceiling | 140 dB | Above |
Children
Children often stand close to firecrackers, where peaks can reach 171 dB. Keep them at least 8 m away and fit ear defenders.
Pets
The impulses travel far; keep pets indoors during celebrations.
Protecting your hearing
Keep well back (8 m or more), never light them in batches near people, and wear earplugs or earmuffs if you are the one lighting them.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Questions
Can one firecracker damage hearing?
At 0.5 m, typical peaks of 171 dB SPL gave estimates of 0 to 2 safe unprotected exposures.
How far away is safe?
The researchers advise avoiding unprotected exposure to batches of firecrackers within 8 m.
Sources
- Estimates of the auditory risk from outdoor impulse noise. I: Firecrackers, Noise & Health (2009). Supports: 142-171 dB SPL peak.
Typical peak levels ranged between 171 dB SPL at 0.5 m and 142 dB SPL at 8 m.
Checked 2026-11-02. - Estimates of the auditory risk from outdoor impulse noise. I: Firecrackers, Noise & Health (2009). Supports: 0-2 exposures at 0.5 m.
Typical estimates of maximum permissible exposures ranged between 0 and 2 at 0.5 m
Checked 2026-11-02. - Inner ear damage from toy cap pistols and fire-crackers, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (1991). Supports: 155 dBC at 0.8 m.
The peak sound level at the ear was 155 dBC for both impulsive sounds.
Checked 2026-11-02. - Deafness and hearing loss: Safe listening, World Health Organization. Supports: WHO example: 150 dB.
150dB Firecrackers
Checked 2026-11-02.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.