Retailers are being urged to only sell eco-friendly fireworks that are quieter than a car door slamming.

The pyrotechnic displays bring joy to residents on Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve and religious celebrations.

But Bath and North East Somerset Council members said they are being used more and more throughout the year, sending 4,500 casualties a year to A&E, distressing animals and releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.

They held back from calling for an outright ban on selling fireworks to the public amid fears people would seek out dangerous alternatives from unregulated sources.

Leading the motion, Councillor Grant Johnson told the full council meeting on November 12: "I remember enjoying fireworks as a young boy at Paulton's recreational ground, but those displays didn't come without consequences.

"I was stood alongside my elder brother enjoying the display and suddenly he was struck in the face by a lit firework. The night ended with several stitches to his eyebrow and a lot of blood staining his jumper.

"I suppose in a way my brother was one of the lucky ones – he could have easily lost an eye, or worse."

Cllr Johnson said many pet owners brace themselves for the distress fireworks cause, and pointed to the recent death of a zebra at Bristol's Noah's Ark Zoo. Zoo owners believe the animal was spooked by several bangs.

Cllr Johnson called for fireworks to be banned unless they are used for a licensed event.

Cllr Manda Rigby disagreed, saying: "People who wanted to would buy online or from illegal sources – putting them at risk of dangerous unregulated products – and irresponsible users would feel safe in the knowledge that overstretched councils would not be able to enforce fireworks licences anyway.

"Let's work with our two MPs to make B&NES Council an exemplar for other authorities: encourage local retailers to stock only silent and eco-friendly fireworks and encourage residents to attend organised events."

The current maximum noise level for fireworks is 120 decibels, the equivalent of a jet taking off. The council will call for that to be lowered to 90 decibels, the same volume as a car door slamming.

It will educate residents about the harm caused by random displays and encourage them to attend organised firework displays rather than setting off their own.