Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks in the Jackson Port (Sydney) during the New Year's Eve in Sydney (2006–2007)

Fireworks in Paris (2003) during the National Day of France, traditionally accompanied by a musical show that begins with “La Marsellesa”

Exhibition of fireworks in Taipei 101, China, which was the first on a skyscraper

Fireworks at the New Chinese Lunar Year Celebration in New York (2003)

Fireworks in Doha during the National Day of Qatar (2018)

Fireworks are a type of pyrotechnic device normally used for aesthetic, entertainment or celebration purposes. They are used in different parts of the world and are the main attraction of many cultural and religious celebrations.

There are different types of fireworks, the effects of which can be grouped into four categories: noise, lights, smoke and floating materials (in most cases confetti is used to generate this effect).

Fireworks were invented in China. Cultural events such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival were and still are celebrations that feature huge fireworks displays. Currently, China is the largest producer and exporter of fireworks in the world.

Modern fireworks were invented in Europe in the 1830s.

The 'silent' they are becoming popular due to concerns that the effects of noise will traumatize pets, wildlife, and some humans. However, these are not a new type of fireworks and they are not completely silent. The "silent fireworks" refers to displays that simply exclude large, spectacular, and loud fireworks and make greater use of smaller, quieter displays. The Italian town of Collecchio switched to silent fireworks in 2015.

History

During the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), people threw bamboo stalks into fire to produce explosions with loud sounds. Later in time, small containers filled with gunpowder they were used to imitate sounds previously made by burning bamboo. These explosives made from bamboo stalks and gunpowder were known interchangeably as "baozhu" (爆竹) or "baogan" (爆竿).

The first fireworks were invented in China during the Song dynasty (960 – 1279). They were used in various festivities. The art and science of creating fireworks became a profession. In China, pyrotechnicians were respected for their knowledge of the complex techniques of assembling fireworks displays. During the Song dynasty, many types of fireworks could be purchased by many from market vendors during the Song dynasty.

Colored fireworks, in turn, were developed from earlier applications of chemicals used to create colored smoke. Zhao Xuemin's “Huoxilüe” (1753) describes various recipes for dyeing flames and smoke. These included, for example, arsenic sulfide to achieve the yellow color, copper acetate for green, and mercuric chloride for white. Advances in pyrotechnics made in China were described by the French author Antoine Caillot (1818) in as follows: "The variety of colors that the Chinese give to fire is the greatest mystery of their fireworks."

Fireworks were first produced in Europe in the 14th century and became popular in the XVII. Modern fireworks were invented in Europe in the 1830s.

Security

Improper use of fireworks can be dangerous to the person handling it and to those around them. When using fireworks, special care must be taken to avoid burns or injuries. Fireworks can also be a problem for domestic and wild animals.

Pollution

Fireworks produce smoke and dust that may contain heavy metal residues and some low-concentration toxic chemicals. These fireworks byproducts vary depending on the mix of ingredients in each firework.

For most people, the effects of prolonged exposure to low levels of toxins from various sources are unknown. For people with asthma or multiple chemical sensitivities, smoke from fireworks can exacerbate existing health problems.