By Sarah Hannan The tradition of lighting fireworks can be traced back to China in 200 BC. Since then, the Chinese have been reinventing firecrackers; what started off with bamboo shoots being roasted over coals, until the air inside popped to produce a loud sound to ward off evil spirits, progressed to a concoction which a Chinese alchemist created using charcoal, sulphur, and saltpetre that was later stuffed into these bamboo shoots to create a basic firecracker. By the 15th Century, celebrating special occasions with fireworks became commonplace and the practice had started to spread from China to other parts of the world. Ever since, from royalty to common men, fireworks are used to announce military wins, births, marriages, and also during festivities. Over the centuries, Sri Lanka too has embraced this tradition and during festive seasons, it is quite common to see many fireworks vendors set up temporary shops on the waysides of the roads for the convenience of consumers. It is also very common to see an increase in accidents relating to firecrackers during the festive season and many of these accidents occur due to negligence. Reduced incidents “With increased awareness created through the media, we have noticed that there is a reduction in accidents relating to fireworks each year in comparison to previous years. Most often, these accidents take place when parents are not supervising their kids when they are lighting fireworks,” Ministry of Health, Nutrition, and Indigenous Medicine – Accident Prevention Unit Specialist Dr. Samitha Siritunga stated. Further explaining the downward trend in firework-related incidents this year, Colombo National Hospital – Accident and Orthopaedic Services Chief Nurses Training Officer Pushpa Ramyani de Zoysa revealed: “We observed a 78% reduction in firework-related injuries. While in 2019 there were 19 cases reported, this year we only had four patients who were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following firework-related accidents.” Preventing firework injuries According to de Zoysa, there are several safety precautions one must follow when lighting fireworks. “Small kids should refrain from handling firecrackers; even adolescents should be under parent supervision when handling firecrackers. Most importantly, one must avoid lighting firecrackers whilst holding them by hand.” She further stated that it is advisable to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the firecracker that is lit. “As soon as the wick is lit, you should immediately move away from the firecracker. By following these precautions, you can minimise accidents that can occur. Another important point to remember is that after lighting a firecracker, if it does not explode, you should not go close to inspect it. Chances are that when you return to check the firecracker, it will explode.” De Zoysa too agreed that many of these firework-related injuries can be easily prevented if people take the necessary precautions. “Most of the time, the injuries take place when people try to light firecrackers while they hold it in their hands. The slightest delay in tossing the firecracker as it is lit can cause serious damage.” The most common injuries that are observed following firework-related accidents are burn injuries, loss of fingers, and loss of vision and hearing. Apart from that, de Zoysa said that when lighting fireworks, people should not only think about their own safety but should also look out for the safety of other people, as well as domestic animals. “When lighting firecrackers you should ensure that you do not toss the lit firecrackers towards places that are frequented by animals or humans. If you are residing on a higher level, never throw lit firecrackers from a tall building to the ground. You might do it for light-hearted entertainment, but such fireworks might cause injuries to people as well as animals,” de Zoysa reiterated. Effect on the environment National Building Research Organisation Senior Scientist H.D.S. Premasiri said that the air pollution levels in Colombo had been impacted, owing to lighting fireworks during New Year’s Eve and during New Year’s Day. “Exploding firecrackers release particles of PM 10 (Particulate Matter up to 10 micrometres in size) and are toxic to inhale, and can cause and increase respiratory diseases such as asthma. The reading on the Air Quality Index had been 163 at 11.30 p.m. on 31 December, whereas on 1 January at 1.30 a.m., it had gone up to 168. It would take at least two to three days for the air quality to improve.” The less-thought-of group that gets affected by firecracker lighting is domestic animals – especially dogs. According to Animal Ethics, dogs have a heightened auditory acuity and are able to hear up to 60,000 Hz, and in comparison to the range which humans can hear, which is at 20,000 Hz, they hear noises three times louder than we do. Unlike during storms, dogs are unable to perceive the loud crack of noise due to firecracker explosions in advance, causing reactions such as freezing and paralysis, uncontrollable attempts to escape and hide, and tremors. Older dogs would show more intense symptoms such as salivation, tachycardia, intense vocalisation, urination and defecation, hyper alertness, and gastrointestinal disorders.