Fascination with firecrackers

Fascination with firecrackers | Daily Tribune

By and large, we Filipinos know the dangers associated with firecrackers. These include health hazards such as burns, loss of fingers or eyesight, and even death. Yet, we continue to recklessly use them to welcome the New Year.

Why are we so fascinated with firecrackers? Why do they have such a hold on us? If we must use firecrackers, how shall we handle them, and what is an alternative to lighting firecrackers ourselves?

Firecrackers and pyrotechnics (propelled skyward, there to produce a controlled explosion or series of explosions) are part of our childhood, and we may have learned to associate celebrating festive events with firecrackers. To associate ourselves again is part of the fascination.

There was a time in the past when only the affluent could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic products due to the high cost of gunpowder. But when gunpowder became affordable, ordinary people began to indulge in this luxury. This contributed to its popularity.

Moreover, firecrackers and pyrotechnics are part of our memories. As children, we were exposed to fiesta, birthday and holiday celebrations where firecrackers and pyrotechnics were employed to lend an exciting air to the occasion. There is nostalgia every time we use firecrackers, which is why we love them.

Furthermore, firecrackers and pyrotechnics are magical. We get a slight feeling of fear and nervous anticipation just before they burst or explode. Pyrotechnics give off the most magic when various visual patterns of varying colors — red, white, green and yellow — decorate the night sky. All these contribute to our fascination with firecrackers.

I also suspect our sense of machismo plays a part in that fascination. To handle firecrackers is to handle gunpowder and explosions, which are both dangerous affairs. Throwing lit firecrackers nonchalantly to some spot not far from the thrower is mistaken for bravery. Those who show courage this way may secretly beg for validation of their masculinity, no matter how misplaced.

In addition to the physical dangers, firecrackers and pyrotechnics exact a heavy toll on the environment. Ash formations and tiny metal residue are emitted upward to the sky and sometimes stay there longer than we care to think about.

The noise pollution caused is similarly ignored. We may say that the more noise the firecrackers produce, the better the celebration. On New Year's Eve, explosions here and there compete in loudness, frequency and duration. At times, they go off all at the same time, multiplying the noise!

Given the risks and dangers attendant to the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, every year, the government announces a partial ban on them. Since 2014, the injuries recorded from firecracker accidents and injuries caused by stray bullets (when guns are fired in the air) have somewhat declined, but the injuries continue.

Banned firecrackers are those that exceed the legal limit of their gunpowder component, which should be a maximum of only 0.3 grams. These include the Watusi, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Piccolo, Giant Bawang, Super Lolo, Judas Belt, Giant Whistle Bomb, Coke-in-Can and Super Yolanda.

Firecrackers and pyrotechnics with improper fuses, such as those with short fuses or which produce delayed explosions, are also banned due to the risks they obviously present.

If you want to use firecrackers and pyrotechnics (assuming you are in a place where they are not prohibited), then purchase only legally compliant ones. Use them responsibly and be distant from them. Always supervise children even when given low-danger pyrotechnic devices, such as sparklers.

Better yet, treat yourself and the family to local government or privately sponsored public displays of fireworks, just like they do in many countries. They are spectacular and breathtaking. Lastly, they are free, both from costs and risks.