Lights, Sound, Chemical Reaction
Types of Firecrackers and their Composition
BOMBS:
These include atom bombs, sutli bomb and even a chain or a string of a thousand crackers.
Chemicals: A black powder, also known as gun powder, which contain charcoal, sulphur and potassium nitrate. A tight paper tube with a fuse is used to light the powder.
Metal: A composition used in a firecracker might have aluminum instead of or in addition to charcoal to brighten the explosion
Gun Powder = Charcoal + Potassium nitrate + Sulphur
AERIAL FIREWORKS:
These include all types of rockets or those that shoot up in the air and then explode.
Chemicals: These, too, contain the black powder which include charcoal, sulphur, potassium nitrate.
Metal: Aluminium
SPARKLERS:
These include all fireworks that burn up to a minute and produce extremely bright and showery light such as anar, chakri and sparklers.
Chemicals: These include charcoal, sulphur, aluminum perchlorate or barium nitrate. A variety of chemicals are added to produce vibrant colours.
Metal: Iron or steel powder. Also, it is very common for fireworks to contain aluminum zinc or magnesium dust to create bright, shimmering sparks.
Health Hazards of Chemicals and Metals Present in Firecrackers
ALUMINIUM: High levels could cause toxicity. People with kidney problems and older people are more vulnerable.
Effects: It can cause skeletal and neuro-muscular problems, apart from weaknewss, bone pain, digestive problems, confusion, headache, heartburn, emotional instability, disturbed sleep.
SULPHUR DIOXIDE: Exposure to very high levels can be life-threatening.
Effects: It can cause heart, eye, hearing, liver and kidney damage, stomach disorder, suffocation and disturb blood circulation.
POTASSIUM NITRATE: It can irritate respiratory track.
Effects: It can cause shortness of breath, gastric and stomach pain, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, convulsions, mental impairment, redness or itching of skin or eyes.
BARIUM: Certain compounds like barium acetate are highly poisonous.
Effects: Mild exposure can cause muscle fatigue or weakness, difficulty in breathing, blood pressure changes, facial numbness, gastrointestinal disorders, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps.