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About
Fireworks
by W.Holidays
 Colored
gold dust sparkling high in the sky, followed by brilliant silver, red,
and blue glittering lights, fireworks are a 4th of July tradition.
Fireworks contain explosive materials and only experts should
handle them. There are some fireworks available for public use called "consumer
fireworks". These fireworks include cone fountains, cylindrical fountains, roman
candles, skyrockets, firecrackers, mines and shells, helicopter-type rockets,
certain sparklers, and revolving wheels. Stay away from anything that isn't
clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name, and
instructions for proper use. Even these products should be used with caution and
always with adult supervision.
Firework rockets work in a similar fashion to
military rockets. A fuse ignites a combustible substance which forms gases that
jet out propelling the rocket upwards. Once the rocket is high in the sky, a
second combustible substance explodes. The explosion releases firecrackers
(causing the bang) and the colored sparkles.
Many different
substances go into making fireworks. Coloring agents include: lithium for red,
sodium for gold and yellow, copper to help create blue, barium for the green (it
also help stabilize volatile elements). Titanium and iron help produce sparks,
and sulfur helps to fuel fireworks.
To help you celebrate safely this
Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National
Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:
Always read and
follow label directions.
Have an adult present.
Buy from reliable fireworks
sellers.
Ignite outdoors.
Have water handy.
Never experiment or attempt to
make your own fireworks.
Light one at a time.
Never re-ignite malfunctioning
fireworks.
Never give fireworks to small children.
Store in a cool, dry
place.
Dispose of properly.
Never throw fireworks at another person.
Never
carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass
container.
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