A charred, burning smell is still in the air because of the many skyrockets with stars that have been released into the dark sky over the past few days. With huge celebrations for Bonfire the night before and Diwali ending at an end, everyone is likely to be familiar with the iconic pops and booms of distant fireworks explosions. Last night only I counted 72 bangs within my own local district.
What’s all the excitement about fireworks? What’s the fuss regarding fireworks?
The fireworks are explosives that contain combustible chemicals such as gunpowder and when eventually heated, they can produce breathtaking effects with the explosions.
But lurking behind these pretty patterns, are some major and threatening side effects. Particulates that are released during fireworks displays can get into the soil, water and air and can affect the environment (causing problems like acid rain and global dimming). Additionally, fireworks have been the reason for many serious accidents such as horrific burns, sometimes even death at times. In Kingston hospital there is an A&E staff encourage residents to be mindful when handling fireworks, as they can cause burns and injuries to fingers’
“Fireworks are beautiful to look at but they are noisy and distracting’ local resident from Kingston upon Thames, Anitha Sanjeevappa said while her neighbors went on to blast some fireworks into the sky. Fireworks can cause plenty of noise pollution. They can also be detrimental to your hearing due to the high amounts of sound generated.
However, fireworks are necessary to celebrate both religious and patriotic celebrations. Diwali the festival of “lights,” is known for its legend about Rama and Sita when they returned to their homeland to be greeted by a crowd celebrating with light. What better way is the best way to mark Diwali than by lighting up fireworks that use lighting to create amazing effects?
In addition, the majority of people observe Bonfire night for the pure purpose of using fireworks because of its connection to the famous gunpowder saga in 1605 when Guy Fawkes tried to kill King James the first person to use the drug. Fireworks ,being made of gunpowder and providing stunning entertainment to the viewers is probably the most appropriate way to mark the occasion.
In the end, it turns out that there are a lot of disadvantages of using fireworks than positives. However, the issues caused by fireworks could be drastically reduced when people decide not to deal with them at home but rather attended a professional display which would provide the same amount of joy and enjoyment (maybe maybe even) regardless. In addition, this can lower the quantity of fireworks used and may be linked to reducing risk of global problems as well as reducing the amount of work for doctors, since fewer people end up injured by the explosions.
The wrong type of fireworks to fill the space in your garden could be hazardous.
In this current price of living crisis, all need to save money. Many sellers of inexpensive fireworks aren’t making it evident what type of fireworks you’re buying. Marketplaces online don’t need to test the safety of the items they offer.
Use our guide to aid you in buying fireworks safely this Diwali and Bonfire Night.
Select where to purchase
Be sure to look for members from that organization, the British Fireworks Association (BFA). All the fireworks they sell are tested so you’re guaranteed that they meet the latest UK safety standards.
If you can make it, shop at reputable shops and avoid pop-up shops.
When shopping online, look for websites that provide helpful tips on which type of firework to buy for your backyard. If the seller does not list categories for fireworks, search for one who lists them.
Be careful when buying products from online marketplaces. Remember, online marketplaces do not have any responsibility for the safety of the items they sell.
Avoid purchasing fireworks through posts on your social media.
Be aware of your categories
Fireworks are divided into four distinct categories:
Category 1 fireworks are those that can be used indoors.
Category 2 fireworks can be suited to back gardens of a typical size for families.
Category 3 fireworks need an absolute safety distance of 25m considerably more than the average back garden! While anyone can purchase them for non-professionals but they are designed specifically for huge displays.
Category 4 is intended meant for professional use only.
Don’t get caught out by untrustworthy dealers trying to sell you fireworks that are too big for your garden!
Other tips for buying secure
Did you know that fireworks need to be tested against safety standards in order to make sure they aren’t dangerous? Don’t think that simply because someone is able to offer you something, it must be safe!
Make sure to purchase fireworks that are marked by the safety standard (BS-EN 1597-2015).
