Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur evaluated the effects of fireworks used for entertainment and demonstration on public health.
Noting that fireworks are low-explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur said, “The most common use of fireworks is fireworks displays. A fireworks event, also called a pyrotechnic show, is a demonstration of the effects produced by fireworks.” said.
Noting that the fireworks culture was discovered 2000 years ago in China, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, stating that they are still used for different purposes today, said, “The most common myth about the invention or accidental discovery of fireworks is the mixing of charcoal, sulfur and saltpeter, which were very common in kitchens in those days. This mixture exploded when compressed and burned in a bamboo tube. Firecrackers are used in the past and even today to scare away demonic ghosts with the help of loud sounds. Firecrackers are still used today on birthdays, deaths, and to bless newborn children. One of the most common ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year is to celebrate with firecrackers to spend a year free from evil spirits.” he said.
Expressing that these practices have become widespread all over the world for entertainment and celebration purposes, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur said that the colors of the fireworks are usually produced with mixed chemicals called stars, which give off a strong and bright light when lit. Noting that the stars are composed of five basic mixtures, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur said, “Fuel makes the stars burn. Oxides, this composition produces oxygen, allowing the fuel to burn better. The color is produced by chemicals. The glue keeps the chemicals that make up the stars together. The chlorinator increases the power of the colored flame. Sometimes oxides also perform this function.” said.
Drawing attention to the fact that fireworks damage the nature, besides disrupting the chemical balance of nature, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, “Hearing loss in humans and animals due to high-intensity sound; poisoning the environment by polluting soil, water and air; It has negative effects such as causing forest fires and other fires and causing injury to humans and animals.” said.
Stating that it is understood that fireworks cause serious health problems on people, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur said, “It especially harms eye health. While people look at the sky for entertainment or aesthetic show, the substances that give off colored lights fall to the earth. Even while watching, it harms health, causes eye damage and burns. Fireworks cause both mechanical trauma and thermal burns to the eye after being ignited. The problem can progress to loss of vision.” warned.
prof. Dr. Haydar Sur advises to go to the hospital immediately when complaints start in the eyes, not to wash and rub the eyes, not to close the eyes tightly with the hands or not to apply pressure to the eyes, to intervene and remove if an object is felt in the eye, not to apply different drops and creams to the eyes other than those recommended by the doctor, not to apply medical substances such as aspirin, etc. He said that blood thinners and pain relievers should not be taken.
Noting that they do not recommend watching the shows, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur said, "If the show is still to be watched, you should stay at least 500 meters away from the fireworks and avoid hand contact if an exploding firework is encountered." warned.
prof. Dr. Haydar Sur listed his other warnings as follows:
- Fireworks burn at a very high temperature. Therefore, it should be kept away from children.
- If possible, fireworks should not be fired in residential areas and in forests where there are flammable materials.
- Plenty of water should be kept nearby for emergencies (when there is a firework that does not explode and does not ignite) or to extinguish it when a fire starts.
- Defective and unburned fireworks should never be reused and should be soaked and put out of use.
- Unused fireworks should be kept away from intact ones.
- Fireworks should not be fired in glass or metal containers.
- Fireworks should be stored in cool and dry places in accordance with the storage instructions.
- Fireworks should not be held close to the body while emitting light.
- Non-professionals should not carry out these procedures, and professionals should strictly follow the precautions.
Noting that today, products that can replace fireworks are becoming more and more accepted, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur said, “Among these, the highest preference is for laser light shows. However, these displays still have the potential for adverse effects on birds. We have a responsibility to protect all living and non-living things in nature. The only and sure solution is to abandon the use of fireworks, which is not of vital importance to us.” said.
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