Chemical debris from Fireworks - how toxic?

[Badgerqueen]

This probably sounds really neurotic but its worrying me and I can't seem to find any specific advice about this. Our neighbours had a huge firework display (really more like public event size rockets, massive bangers the lot, probably illegal in a domestic garden, but there we are). spectacular but our whole garden has ended up covered - really covered - like someone has dumped bags of it - in gritty red and yellow powder, (as well as loads of cardboard and sticks and plastic). The wind was blowing everything towards us and its drizzling but this stuff is not washing off. Can anyone tell me how toxic this it is? I have read that there are all sorts of heavy metals and other pretty grim chemicals in fireworks. :(

Its over all the kids toys, the lawn, all the leaves of the plants. I don't think we can let the children out in the garden until we have hosed everything down - but will it just sit in the soil? Will it contaminate next year's fruit (random concern!)

I know this a really "first world" type of problem, but its really upsetting me. It feels like a massive amount of pollution, can someone give me a bit of perspective please?

[VivaLeBeaver]

My mil makes fireworks, don't think they're that toxic. She hasn't grown two heads yet. It'll blow away in the wind/washed away by the rain.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

as a child I loved gathering up the old dead fireworks the next day and sniffed them -am still here many years later. Really I wouldn't worry !

[PhyllisDoris]

Me too Mary!