The Chinese people cherish a long history of lighting
firecrackers to celebrate festivals and happy occasions. According
to tradition, it will bring luck to their families and add to the
jubilance of the day. However, in recent years firecrackers have
been banned in many Chinese cities, allowing exception only during
the time of the Spring Festival because of the holiday’s
importance.
The major content of firecrackers is black gunpowder, made up of
sulfur, charcoal powder, potassium nitrate, and sometimes potassium
chlorate. When producing firecrackers with special effects in sound
and light, other ingredients, such as magnesium powder, aluminum
powder, antimony powder, and inorganic salts, are added. For
instance, strontium salt can turn sparks red, barium salt green,
and sodium salt yellow.
However, when a firecracker is ignited, charcoal powder, sulfur
powder, and other ingredients will react with the oxidant in the
air and combine to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Along with the
brilliant flash and deafening bangs in the explosion, bits of paper
fly about and the surrounding air is filled with dust and harmful
gases such as oxysulfide,
nitrogen oxide, and oxycarbide.
In addition to air pollution, firecrackers impact the order and
sanitation of the streets, because of the garbage each blast
produces. When a firecracker explodes, it produces ear-splitting
sounds, which are now generally recognized as a source of noise
pollution. Test results show a single firecracker is able to
produce a sound over 130 dB.
What is more, during the Spring Festival, accidents resulting
from firecrackers emerge everywhere. Firecrackers can lead to fires
and injure arms, faces, and eyes. The harmful gases they produce
can also irritate our respiratory system and eyes. Therefore,
banning firecrackers aids in the protection of the environment and
the maintenance of social order.
(China.org.cn September 12, 2007)
