New Year's holidays are approaching and one of the children's favorite pastimes, the use of firecrackers, accompanied by the holiday and festive mood, is becoming one of the main causes of children's injuries.the centeronce again, it is necessary to remind the risks, present the recorded cases and refer to the current legal regulations;
"The use of firecrackers (pyrotechnic means) has strict legal regulations in different countries based on the dangers arising from them.
1. Dangers and problems
Safety Risks Improper use of firecrackers can cause burns, injuries, and even death.
Psychological effects: In some cases, they can cause stress in humans and animals.
Environmental pollution: Harmful substances are emitted as a result of combustion, and may cause fires.
2. Legislative regulations
The use of pyrotechnics in RA is regulated by legislation, but use by private individuals or children is often out of control. Citizens are only allowed to use low-intensity means (such as small firecrackers or fireworks) under certain conditions.
If we study Government of the Republic of Armenia Resolution No. 680 of May 8, 2024 81: item: "Using household fire products of classes I-III freely sold to the public, the handling of which does not require special knowledge and skills, fireworks can be organized by an individual over the age of 18, observing the requirements of the instructions for use (operation) accompanying the fire products according to their purpose , providing the provisions of clause 78 of these rules, as well as sub-clause 2 of this clause "a" and Fulfillment of the requirements set forth in paragraphs "b".
In many European countries (for example, Germany, the Netherlands) the sale and use of pyrotechnics is allowed only on special days, mainly on the eve of the New Year. Individuals must obtain a special permit, and some materials are prohibited without professional training. Depending on the legal regulations of the country, the requirements are different, for example, in some US states it is strictly prohibited, while in others only low impact firecrackers are allowed.
In China, where pyrotechnics are an important part of the culture, some cities have banned them to control pollution levels, and the sale of pyrotechnics is only allowed to those over 18. The place of use is very important.In many countries, they are allowed only in open areas, where there are no dense crowds.
We present to you the statistical data of different countries regarding the damages caused by the use of firecrackers.
More than 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are reported in the United States each year. 70% of them occur between June 20 and July 20, when people celebrate Independence Day. 66% of the injuries affect the hands, and 15% involve the eyes occur in children (less than 15 years old).
UK: Around 4,500-5,000 people are injured by pyrotechnics every year. Most injuries occur on holidays (New Year's Eve). Around 50% of injuries are among young people (16-20 years old).
India (Diwali festival). Every year, the number of injuries during festivals reaches 10,000-15,000. About 60% of burns affect the hands, face and eyes.
3. Types of injuries:
Burns are the most common injuries, often caused by direct contact of the skin with a flame or explosion.
.Eye injuries caused by explosion fragments or dust. May cause temporary or permanent blindness.
.Hearing loss: The sound waves from the explosion can damage the auditory nerves.
.Traumatic amputations - in the most dangerous cases, explosions lead to the amputation of fingers or other areas.
4. Injury statistics by age groups
30%-40% of injuries are observed among children under 15 years old, who often do not understand the danger of pyrotechnics.
Primarily, the 16-25 age group is responsible for the majority of injuries due to inexperienced and irresponsible use.
5. Fire and other damage statistics
About 19,000 fires are caused by pyrotechnics in the United States each year, some of which cause serious damage to homes and other structures.
Economic losses.
The total cost of damages caused by the fires is estimated at about 100 million US dollars.
Statistical data on firecrackers or explosives are not available in RA, but many cases are recorded during holidays, especially during the New Year and Christmas period, which, in addition to human injuries and loss, leads to an increase in hospital requests, causes fires and property damage.
