Fireworks and Poison

 

    After our other safety posts, we felt it necessary to discuss one more area of safety. It may seem like common sense; however, people were eating Tide™ pods. So, here we are, talking about how fireworks of all things are actually poisonous. 

    You might be thinking to yourself, are they for real? 100% we are! The chemicals that are used to make fireworks are what make them poisonous. Some of the elements used are Barium, Copper, Aluminum, Calcium Phosphide, Antimony and many more. 

    Let's talk about these for a moment. Barium is a metal powder that is used to stabilize volatile elements and create a green hue. Copper, which is actually Cupric Chlorate, is a powder used as an oxidizer, that makes blue hues. Aluminum as a fine powder, can explode if too much is in the air, Aluminum creates white and silver hues. Calcium Phosphide when mixed with water will create a flammable gas, it is HIGHLY toxic, and Antimony is the black powder that is explosive. 

    While you might be thinking, some of these are things are in medications, how is that safe? We cannot answer to that. We are not pharmacists or doctors, we are Licensed Pyrotechnicians. What we do know, is the chemical compositions and measurements for fireworks are very specific and measured thoroughly in order to make the fireworks look and work the way they do. 

    This is not an invitation for you to go make your own fireworks without training and guidance. If you are interested in making fireworks, the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) hosts courses all over the country each year to train those interested. 

    If you are questioning your medical safety, we apologize, that was not our intent. Our purpose of this post is to spread information about firework safety. Please reach out to your physician, if you are not feeling safe. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911.