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Air pollution is a major public health threat that is associated with asthma, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and all-cause mortality. Among the most important acute air pollution events occurring each year are celebrations involving fireworks, such as the 4th of July holiday in the United States. In this community-engaged study, academic partners and residents collaborated to collect indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentration measurements in the disadvantaged city of Santa Ana, California, using low-cost AtmoTube sensor devices before, during and after the July 4th firework celebration, while also examining July 4th data extracted from the PurpleAir sensor network across over a hundred other cities in southern California. Average outdoor PM2.5 concentrations on July 4th were found to be three-to-five times higher than baseline, with hourly concentrations exceeding 160 μg/m3. Outdoor averages were roughly 30% to 100% higher than indoor levels. The most polluted cities exhibited 15-times higher PM2.5 levels compared with the least contaminated cities and were often those where household-level fireworks were legal for sale and use. Race/ethnicity was found to be the leading predictor of July 4th-related air pollution across three counties in southern California, with greater PM2.5 being associated with higher proportions of Hispanic residents and lower proportions of White residents. The findings from this study underscore the importance of environmental justice as it relates to firework-related air pollution exposure, and the critical role city- and county-level firework policies play in determining exposure.

This article investigates the migration of three Italian-born artists working in France in the field of ephemeral entertainment and argues that their stories were part of a broader process of cultural history and artistic mobility of the long eighteenth century. These artists are the firework makers Ruggieri brothers, the circus performer Antonio Franconi and his family and the stage designer Ignazio Degotti. They left their home country at different points (1730s, 1750s and 1790 respectively), settling in Paris under different socio-political circumstances. Due to the immaterial and contingent medium in which these artists chose to work, which is difficult to replicate and collect, the mobility of these artists has often remained a neglected story. To explore the reasons why these artists moved from their home country and the motivation that convinced them to stay in France, this research combines an attentive examination of archival material with a methodology influenced by methods of cultural history. The paper argues that their lives and their artistic expertise were not only aesthetically relevant, but also very much integrated within the defined social and cultural context they chose to live in.

Fireworks are often used in celebration, causing short term, extremely high particulate matter air pollution. In recent years, the rapid development and expansion of low-cost air quality sensors by companies such as PurpleAir has enabled an understanding of air pollution at a much higher spatiotemporal resolution compared to traditional monitoring networks. In this study, real-time PM2.5 measurements from 751 PurpleAir sensors operating from June to July in 2019 and 2020 were used to examine the impact of 4th of July fireworks on hourly and daily PM2.5 concentrations at the census tract and county levels in California. American Community Survey (ACS) and CalEnviroScreen 3.0 data were used to identify correlations between PM2.5 measurements and socioeconomic status (SES). A two-step method was implemented to assure the quality of raw PM2.5 sensor data and sensor calibration against co-located reference instruments. The results showed that over 67% and 81% of counties experienced immediate impacts related to fireworks in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Relative to 2019, the peak PM2.5 concentrations on July 4th and 5th 2020 were, on average, over 50% higher in California, likely due to the COVID-19-related increase in the use of household-level fireworks. This increase was most pronounced in southern counties, which tend to have less strict firework-related regulations and a greater use of illegal fireworks. Los Angeles County experienced the highest July 4th daily PM2.5 levels both in 2019 (29.9 µg·m-3) and 2020 (42.6 µg·m-3). Spatial hot spot analyses generally showed these southern counties (e.g., Los Angeles County) to be regional air pollution hotspots, whereas the opposite pattern was seen in the north (e.g., San Francisco). The results also showed PM2.5 peaks that were over two-times higher among communities with lower SES, higher minority group populations, and higher asthma rates. Our findings highlight the important role that policy and enforcement can play in reducing firework-related air pollution and protecting public health, as exemplified by southern California, where policy was more relaxed and air pollution was higher (especially in 2020 when the 4th of July coincided with the COVID-19-lockdown period), and in disadvantaged communities where disparities were greatest.

Abstract Background Firework-related ocular injuries (FWROI) are a major cause of preventable visual impairment. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence and outcome of FWROI in Switzerland. Methods This retrospective multicenter study included patients with FWROI from seven centers in Switzerland from January 2009 to August 2020. Demographic information, type of injuries, medical and surgical treatments, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and end of follow-up, occurrence and type of secondary complications, and duration of hospitalization were analyzed. Results A total of 105 patients (119 eyes) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 15.9 years were included in the study (71.4% male patients; 29.5% underage). Most injuries occurred around New Year’s Eve (32.4%) and the Swiss national holiday on 1 August (60.9%). The most common anterior segment findings were conjunctival or corneal foreign bodies (58%), whereas Berlin’s edema was the most common posterior segment finding (11.4%). Globe ruptures were found in four patients. The mean BCVA in all patients at first presentation was 0.4 ± 0.8 logMAR and improved to 0.3 ± 0.8 logMAR at last follow-up. A primary surgical intervention was performed in 48 eyes (40.3%). Hospitalization directly after the trauma was necessary for 18 patients for a mean of 5.8 ± 4.1 days, and a total of 4.9 ± 7.6 follow-up visits were needed. Conclusion This study provides the first data on FWROI in Switzerland, which are helpful for further preventive and educational programs and comparisons with other countries.

Fireworks are banned in many Chinese cities but never eliminated, reflecting strong public demand on this traditional activity for festival celebrations. On the other hand, the assessment of firework contributions to air pollution remains vague, raising concerns on the necessity of the mandatory bans. Here we investigated the characteristics of firework episodes in a megacity in Northeast China, based on field campaigns conducted in four successive winters during 2018–2022. Although prohibited, the firework influences remained evident during the Chinese New Year periods, as suggested by the enhancements of water-soluble potassium (K+). In addition, significant annual variations were identified for the firework episodes, with the following features observed. First, the firework-induced enrichment ratios of K+ and chloride exhibited increasing trends across years, climbing from 4.4 to 8.6 and from 1.7 to 2.9, respectively. Second, the enrichment ratio of sulfate dropped from 2.8 to 1.6, indicating that the firework contributions to sulfate decreased but remained considerable. Third, fireworks turned into an unimportant source for organic carbon and nitrate in the most recent winter of 2021–2022, with enrichment ratios of ∼1 for both species. Fourth, the firework-driven increases in fine particle concentration were as high as ∼100% for the two winters during 2019–2021, whereas the increase dropped sharply to ∼30% for 2021–2022. These variations were in line with the promotion of environmentally friendly fireworks. Our results indicated that the air pollution caused by fireworks could be reduced substantially by advanced manufacturing technologies and thus it is time to rethink the firework bans. [Display omitted] • Firework-emitted aerosols changed dramatically during recent years in Harbin. • Firework-induced enrichments in K+ and Cl− increased across years. • Firework contributions to organic matter and nitrate became negligible in 2022. • The relative importance of fireworks compared to other PM 2.5 sources decreased. • Green fireworks provide solution to balance air quality concerns and public demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated a simple fabrication methodology of free-standing polymer composite film firework that sparkles, provides colour display and moderate sound, yet is less polluting. The polymer composite film fireworks are composed of magnesium boride (MgB2), sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). This study also suggested that a flammable, explosive powder composition can be made of two very common inorganic precursors, mainly NaNO2 and MgB2. This is the first report demonstrating composite film fireworks with new flammable composition using metal boride as a primary precursor, which can also be used in conventional fireworks fabrication, replacing the traditional fuel, mainly gunpowder. The film fireworks were free from charcoal, sulphur, metal powder and paper. Therefore, they substantially lower the odour and COx, NOx emissions and minimize the substantial trash generated when burned. Most importantly, film firework's minimum ignition temperature and exothermic decomposition temperature are much higher than the ambient temperature; hence are safe to handle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baoji is a typical heavy industrial city in northwest China. Its air quality is greatly impacted by the emission from the factories. Elements in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that are greatly emitted from anthropogenic sources could pose diverse health impacts on humans. In this study, an online AMMS-100 atmospheric heavy metal analyzer was used to quantify 30 elements in PM2.5 under the weak and strong anthropogenic disturbance scenarios before the city lockdown period (from January 9th to 23rd) and the lockdown period (from January 26th to February 9th) due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. During the lockdown period, the average total concentration of total quantified elements was 3475.0 ng/m3, which was 28% and 33% lower than that of the week and strong anthropogenic disturbance scenarios during the pre-lockdown period. The greatest reductions were found for the elements of chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn), consistent with the industrial structure of Baoji. The mass concentrations of most elements showed obvious reductions when the government post-alerted the industries to reduce the operations and production. Dust, traffic sources, combustion, non-ferrous metal processing, and Ti-related industrial processing that are the contributors of the elements in the pre-lockdown period were apportioned by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Substantial changes in the quantified elements' compositions and sources were found in the lockdown period. Health assessment was conducted and characterized by apportioned sources. The highest non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) was seen for Zn, demonstrating the high emissions from the related industrial activities. The concentration level of arsenic (As) exceeded the incremental lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) in the lockdown period. This could be attributed to the traditional firework activities for the celebration of the Chinese New Year within the lockdown period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Firework-related ocular injuries (FWROI) are a major cause of preventable visual impairment. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence and outcome of FWROI in Switzerland.Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included patients with FWROI from seven centers in Switzerland from January 2009 to August 2020. Demographic information, type of injuries, medical and surgical treatments, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and end of follow-up, occurrence and type of secondary complications, and duration of hospitalization were analyzed.Results: A total of 105 patients (119 eyes) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 15.9 years were included in the study (71.4% male patients; 29.5% underage). Most injuries occurred around New Year's Eve (32.4%) and the Swiss national holiday on 1 August (60.9%). The most common anterior segment findings were conjunctival or corneal foreign bodies (58%), whereas Berlin's edema was the most common posterior segment finding (11.4%). Globe ruptures were found in four patients. The mean BCVA in all patients at first presentation was 0.4 ± 0.8 logMAR and improved to 0.3 ± 0.8 logMAR at last follow-up. A primary surgical intervention was performed in 48 eyes (40.3%). Hospitalization directly after the trauma was necessary for 18 patients for a mean of 5.8 ± 4.1 days, and a total of 4.9 ± 7.6 follow-up visits were needed.Conclusion: This study provides the first data on FWROI in Switzerland, which are helpful for further preventive and educational programs and comparisons with other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dramatic increase in firework-related blast injuries to the hand and upper extremity resulted in record-setting numbers at our institution over the July 4, 2018, holiday. This led our hand and upper extremity department to create a public service announcement (PSA) campaign regarding firework safety and injury prevention. This PSA was broadcast in advance of the next July 4 holiday via several media platforms including television, radio, and the internet. The following year only 4 patients required surgery for firework-related blast injuries to the hand and upper extremity over the same 10-day period, including the weekends before and after the July 4, 2019, holiday. This represented a considerable reduction compared with the 14 patients seen within the same time frame in 2018. The purpose of this article was to outline the process and report the impact of creating and disseminating a public service announcement for firework-related blast injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a major public health threat that is associated with asthma, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and all-cause mortality. Among the most important acute air pollution events occurring each year are celebrations involving fireworks, such as the 4th of July holiday in the United States. In this community-engaged study, academic partners and residents collaborated to collect indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentration measurements in the disadvantaged city of Santa Ana, California, using low-cost AtmoTube sensor devices before, during and after the July 4th firework celebration, while also examining July 4th data extracted from the PurpleAir sensor network across over a hundred other cities in southern California. Average outdoor PM2.5 concentrations on July 4th were found to be three-to-five times higher than baseline, with hourly concentrations exceeding 160 μg/m3. Outdoor averages were roughly 30% to 100% higher than indoor levels. The most polluted cities exhibited 15-times higher PM2.5 levels compared with the least contaminated cities and were often those where household-level fireworks were legal for sale and use. Race/ethnicity was found to be the leading predictor of July 4th-related air pollution across three counties in southern California, with greater PM2.5 being associated with higher proportions of Hispanic residents and lower proportions of White residents. The findings from this study underscore the importance of environmental justice as it relates to firework-related air pollution exposure, and the critical role city- and county-level firework policies play in determining exposure.

Abstract Background Noise phobia is a common behavior problem in dogs for which there are limited treatment options. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of imepitoin in comparison to placebo for the control of anxiety and fear associated with noise phobia in dogs. Animals Two hundred thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs with noise phobia were recruited in veterinary clinics. Methods This placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, clinical trial used a predictable noise event as eliciting context, the traditional New Year's Eve fireworks in Germany and the Netherlands. Owners began treatment 2 days before the anticipated noise event with administration of either imepitoin 30 mg/kg body weight Q12h or placebo for 3 consecutive days. On New Year's Eve, owners noted their observations of their dog's fear and anxiety behavior at 1600, 2200, 0020, and 0100 hours and scored the overall treatment effect on the following day. Results In the 16‐item owner report of fear and anxiety signs, fear and anxiety behaviors were significantly reduced under imepitoin treatment compared to placebo (delta −6.1 scoring points; P

Setting off fireworks during the Spring Festival are a popular traditional custom and recreational activity in China. Intensity of firecracker burning can quickly deteriorate air quality. Airborne bacteria are also important constituents of atmospheric particulate matter and contain many pathogens. However, few studies have reported variations in the bacterial community structure in PM2.5 during firecracker burning. In this study, PM2.5 samples were collected at four different sites in the city of Guilin during Spring Festival from February 4 to 8, 2019 and a high-throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate the variations of bacterial diversity and community structure in PM2.5. The results revealed that Proteobacteria was the predominant bacterial phylum comprising 94.3% of the total sequences, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Deinococcus-Thermus. At the genus level, the top five abundant genera accounted for 81.8% of the total sequences. The proportions of major genera (Cupriavidus, Sphingobium, Brevundimonas, Sphingomonas, and Pseudomonas) were apparently affected by firecracker burning. In particular, the relative abundance of Brevundimonas genus increased dramatically from 3.2 to 60.1% at the Huaqiaonongchang (HQ) sampling site during intense firework burning, while those of other major genera and potential pathogens detected including Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Serratia decreased. In addition, compared with the normal condition, the number of operational taxonomic units and the diversity and richness of microorganisms in PM2.5 samples decreased apparently. Pearson correlation results also revealed that they were negatively correlated with the NO2, SO2, and PM2.5 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firework displays produce large amounts of particulate matter (PM), contributing to poor air quality in local areas. Since short-term exposure to particulate matter correlates with increased mortality risks, these celebrations may impact both human health and the environment. Little is known about the particulate matter produced from recreational fireworks, as most studies have focused on professional large-scale events. In New Zealand, it is common for consumer fireworks to be ignited within residential areas during the Guy Fawkes celebration around 5 November. To better understand the contribution of individual fireworks on local air quality, ambient PM10 sampling was conducted in the 10 days surrounding Guy Fawkes Day in Auckland, New Zealand. These data were supplemented with measurements of firework emissions from 11 different individual products, including smoke bombs, sparklers, and Roman candles. Filter sampling results indicated that personal fireworks can contribute to ground level ambient air quality during celebrations, increasing ambient PM10 concentrations by 21.6 μg m−3 over a 12-h sampling period. The use of personal fireworks can expose consumers to PM10 concentrations much higher, up to 9.51 mg m−3 from individual sparkler use under worst-case scenario assumptions. The inhalation of sparkler emissions for just 8 min can lead to an exposure to PM10 mass greater than that from daily recommended limits (50 μg m−3 exposure over 24 h). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis indicated that potassium (K) and strontium (Sr) can be used as tracers for local firework use and that arsenic (As) may be an important contaminant during Guy Fawkes celebrations. The PM from personal fireworks contained large amounts of chlorine (Cl), which may be indicative of perchlorate oxidizers. In addition, lead (Pb) was observed in the PM generated from two of the colored sparklers, which were marketed as "safer" alternatives to more explosive firework products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Taiwan, due to intensive religious ceremonial activities, the flying and pyrotechnic fireworks of firecrackers are commonly used. In the course of the activities, the use of water as a cooling measure has been pointed out in the past literature that it may cause pyrotechnic materials to deteriorate and reduce their thermal stability. To determine the possible influence of water addition on pyrotechnic deterioration, this study estimates the degree of thermal hazard of pyrotechnic based on the analysis of heat release, reaction kinetics, and the heat exchange model of pyrotechnic deterioration. The explosion sound (ES) firecracker was used to analyze the thermal hazard and mixed water (ES + W) to simulate the dampness condition using differential scanning calorimetry. Thermodynamic equations simulating thermal hazard safety parameters, combined with thermokinetic and thermal runaway data results, were used to discuss the safety and potential thermal hazard characteristics of ES, as the safety of fireworks in storage, transportation, process conditions, and operation assessment to curtail the probability of accidents. The results showed that if the initial exothermic temperature of ES + W is higher than ES, a thermal decomposition reaction will occur at a lower temperature, and the exothermic heat rises and the apparent activation energy decreases, indicating that the ES will increase its instability after being damp. The presence of water degenerated the ES and resulted in a violent reaction during the release process to explode the ES, which increased the chance of accidents among the onlookers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Firework injuries to the hand can be devastating due to the explosive and ballistic nature of these devices. The aim of this study was to describe the injury and treatment characteristics of patients requiring surgery for firework-related hand injuries and to investigate which factors are associated with an increased utilization of health care resources. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing surgery for firework-related hand injuries at two American College of Surgeons level I trauma centers between 2005 and 2016 was performed. Twenty cases were identified. These patients were evaluated for demographics, injury characteristics, number and types of surgical interventions, length of stay, and utilization of health care resources. Bivariate analyses were performed to investigate which factors were associated with increased consumption of health care resources. Results: Injuries ranged from digital nerve injuries to traumatic amputation. Patients underwent a median of 3 surgical operations. More than half the patients underwent flap or skin graft coverage of a soft tissue defect. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days. Factors found to be associated with an increased utilization of surgical and hospital resources included a first web space injury, thumb fracture, and traumatic amputation of any digit. Conclusions: The morbidity inflicted by firework injuries to individual patients is substantial. Patients with severe injuries undergo a median of three surgical operations and have a long duration of initial hospital stay. Knowing which factors are associated with an increased utilization of resources can help prognosticate these preventable injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The clinical impact of firework-related genitourinary trauma remains unknown. In this study, we aim to characterize injury patterns, interventions, and clinical outcomes of firework-related genitourinary injuries and evaluate the relationship with certain firework types. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted for patients treated at a level I trauma center from 2005 to 2019 who experienced firework-related genitourinary trauma. Fifteen patients sustained firework-related genitourinary injuries. Injury patterns, operative interventions, clinical outcomes, as well as details of firework type were examined. Results: Firework-related genitourinary injuries were identified in 15 trauma patients. Mean age was 29.7 years (± 14.3, standard deviation), all (100%) patients were male, and most (11; 73.3%) were Caucasian. Average length of stay (LOS) was 10.5 days, and 4 (26.7%) patients required ICU admission. Ten (66.7%) patients underwent 28 operative interventions (mean 1.9 per patient), 7 (46.7%) of whom underwent 15 urologic specific intervention (mean 1.0 per patient). No injury-related deaths occurred. Considering firework type, 10 (66.7%) patients had mortar or shell-related injuries, while 3 (20.0%) involved firecrackers, and 2 (13.3%) involved bottle rockets. All (100%) patients sustained injuries that occurred with the use of legally obtained fireworks and 11 (73.3%) were active users. Conclusions: Firework-related genitourinary injuries occurred most frequently in young men, lead to polytrauma with the scrotum and penis being the most common urologic sites, had high operative rates, and were most commonly associated with legally obtained fireworks, specifically mortar and shell fireworks. Further investigation is needed to understand the long-term sequelae of these injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perturbation in ambient particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and black carbon (BC) concentrations was studied during a firecracker bursting episode in Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebrations in Nagpur, India. Firecracker bursting resulted in greater escalation in fine particulates over coarse particulates while PM2.5 was found to be dominated by PM1 concentration. On the Diwali day, daily mean concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards by over 1.8 and 1.5 times, respectively, while daily mean BC concentration on the same day was almost two times higher than the previous day. The BC/PM1 ratio reduced remarkably from about 0.26 recorded before firecracker bursting activity to about 0.09 during firecracker bursting on Diwali night in spite of simultaneous escalation in ambient BC concentration. Such aberration in BC/PM1 was evidently a result of much higher escalation in PM1 than BC in ambient air during firecracker bursting. The study highlighted strong perturbations in ambient PM1, PM2.5, PM10 concentrations and BC/PM1 during the firecracker bursting episode. Altered atmospheric BC/PM1 ratios could serve as indicators of firecracker-polluted air and similar BC/PM1 ratios in local and regional air masses might be used as diagnostic ratios for firecracker smoke.

This article investigates the migration of three Italian-born artists working in France in the field of ephemeral entertainment and argues that their stories were part of a broader process of cultural history and artistic mobility of the long eighteenth century. These artists are the firework makers Ruggieri brothers, the circus performer Antonio Franconi and his family and the stage designer Ignazio Degotti. They left their home country at different points (1730s, 1750s and 1790 respectively), settling in Paris under different socio-political circumstances. Due to the immaterial and contingent medium in which these artists chose to work, which is difficult to replicate and collect, the mobility of these artists has often remained a neglected story. To explore the reasons why these artists moved from their home country and the motivation that convinced them to stay in France, this research combines an attentive examination of archival material with a methodology influenced by methods of cultural history. The paper argues that their lives and their artistic expertise were not only aesthetically relevant, but also very much integrated within the defined social and cultural context they chose to live in., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Cazzato E.)

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Background: Noise phobia is a common behavior problem in dogs for which there are limited treatment options. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of imepitoin in comparison to placebo for the control of anxiety and fear associated with noise phobia in dogs. Animals: Two hundred thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs with noise phobia were recruited in veterinary clinics. Methods: This placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, clinical trial used a predictable noise event as eliciting context, the traditional New Year's Eve fireworks in Germany and the Netherlands. Owners began treatment 2 days before the anticipated noise event with administration of either imepitoin 30 mg/kg body weight Q12h or placebo for 3 consecutive days. On New Year's Eve, owners noted their observations of their dog's fear and anxiety behavior at 1600, 2200, 0020, and 0100 hours and scored the overall treatment effect on the following day. Results: In the 16‐item owner report of fear and anxiety signs, fear and anxiety behaviors were significantly reduced under imepitoin treatment compared to placebo (delta −6.1 scoring points; P < .0001). A significantly higher proportion of owners reported a good or excellent overall treatment effect in the imepitoin group compared to placebo (odds ratio 4.689; 95% CI, 2.79‐7.89; P < .0001). Conclusion: Imepitoin effectively controls fear and anxiety associated with noise phobia in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The environmental-friendly and safe unpacking powder without sulfur, magnesium and aluminum was proposed firstly. • The new unpacking powder releases lower PM2.5 and PM10 and is more environmental-friendly during the actual firing process. • The new unpacking powder is safer, and more stable in the process of preparation, transportation and storage. • The new unpacking powder has a good discharge performance. • The new unpacking powder has the potential to replace the ordinary unpacking powder and apply to export in the fireworks. A novel environmental-friendly unpacking powder for fireworks which has no sulfur, no magnesium, no aluminum or their alloys has been prepared in this study: potassium perchlorate (75%), potassium hydrogen terephthalate (13%), micronano porous silicon (9%), carbon (2%), ferrocene (1%). The PM2.5 and PM10 were collected by the ambient air particulate sampler, and the gas product was tested with a smoke analyzer and gas chromatograph to investigate its environmental-friendly performance. The detonation radius was measured by similar triangulation method, and p–t curves were measured in a closed bomb to investigate its practicality. The heat of combustion, sensitivity and hygroscopicity of the formula were measured according to China fireworks industry standard to verify the safety of the novel unpacking powder. The test results suggest that new unpacking powder using micronano porous silicon can effectively reduce the PM content and the product does not contain SO 2 , so it can be applied to export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaharshanbeh souri is a historical Persian firework festival which has several health and financial damages for Iranians near celebration of New Year. In this study we tried to find effectiveness of Chaharshanbeh souri educational campaign on decreasing burden of injuries due to fireworks of this day. In this before-after study, an educational campaign was done for 2017 focusing on children and students. Data of a registry which was designed for gathering information of injuries and mortalities of this festival was used to show effectiveness of the program. Disability adjusted life years was calculated and compared before and after intervention. The results of this study showed that mean age of injuries was increased from 27.75 to 32.65 years and DALY decreased significantly after the intervention (P=0.0460) showing that the intervention was effective. Educational programs might be effective to decrease burden of injuries related to Chaharshanbeh souri festival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Firework devices cause high numbers of eye trauma cases each year worldwide. These can range from mild conjunctival irritation to devastating loss of all vision or the organ itself. A systematic 10-year retrospective monocentric case analysis was the main aim of this study. Materials and Methods: All firework-associated eye trauma patients treated in our clinic from 2007 to 2017 were grouped for trauma severity and analyzed for influencing factors like age, gender, laterality, final visual acuity, and ocular trauma score (OTS). Results: Between 2007 and 2017, 165 eyes of 149 patients were treated due to firework-associated eye trauma at our clinic. The mean patient age was 28.5 ± 14.4, 116 patients (78%) were male, 113 (75.8%) were bystanders, 94 right and 71 left eyes were treated, and final visual acuity was 0.26 ± 0.54 logMAR. The causative device were bangers in 98 cases (59%), rockets in 54 cases (33%), and sparklers in 13 cases (8%). Patients were significantly older (p = 0.026), final visual acuity was significantly lower (p < 0.01), and OTS was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients suffering from major eye trauma compared to minor trauma cases. Conclusions: Patients suffering from firework-associated eye trauma are mostly young, male, and bystanders. However, severe trauma is more frequent in higher age groups, leading to serious consequences. In Germany, more educational efforts and prophylaxis concerning eye trauma caused by firework devices are desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the type, severity, management and outcome of firework‐related adnexal and ocular injuries during New Year's Eve festivities. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 123 injured patients (143 eyes) treated at the Rotterdam Eye Hospital between 2009 and 2013. All ages were included and analysed according to age, gender, active participant or bystander, laterality, location, dimension and severity of injury. Outcome parameter was the final best‐corrected visual acuity. Results: The mean age was 22 ± 13 years with 87% males and 53% bystanders. 52% were ≤18 years. There was a higher number of female than male bystanders (63% versus 51%, p = 0.30). 50% of the eyes sustained mild, 13% moderate and 37% severe trauma. Adults suffered more from severe injuries compared to children (42% versus 31%). The most frequent intervention was gunpowder removal (20%), followed by traumatic cataract surgery (12%) and amniotic membrane grafting (8%). 76% of patients were followed over 1 year. At the end of follow‐up, 88 (61.5%) eyes had recovered fully, while 55 (38.5%) eyes suffered from persistent complications with reduced vision ≤0.8 in 30% of injured eyes. 15 patients (12%, 10 adults, five children) were considered legally blind (vision ≤0.1). Three (2%) eyes were subject to evisceration. Conclusion: Every year, around New Year's Eve 30–45 victims were referred to the Rotterdam Eye Hospital; 50% sustained moderate‐to‐severe trauma. In severe firework injuries, patients required multiple treatments that may not prevent permanent blindness and/or functional/cosmetic disfigurement. The majority was bystander and younger than 18 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of patients with impaled unexploded devices is rare in the civilian setting. However, as the lines of the traditional battlefield are blurred by modern warfare and terrorist activity, emergency providers should be familiar with facility protocols, plans, and contact information of their local resources for unexploded devices.Case Report: A 44-year-old male sustained a close-proximity blast injury to his lower extremities while manipulating a mortar-type firework. He presented to the regional trauma center with an open, comminuted distal femur fracture and radiographic evidence of a potential explosive device in his thigh. His management was coordinated with the local Explosive Ordinance Disposal and the fire department. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Explosive devices pose a grave threat when encountered. Familiarization with protocols to manage these patients can mitigate disaster. Emergency providers should expect and be prepared to coordinate care for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perturbation in ambient particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and black carbon (BC) concentrations was studied during a firecracker bursting episode in Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebrations in Nagpur, India. Firecracker bursting resulted in greater escalation in fine particulates over coarse particulates while PM2.5 was found to be dominated by PM1 concentration. On the Diwali day, daily mean concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards by over 1.8 and 1.5 times, respectively, while daily mean BC concentration on the same day was almost two times higher than the previous day. The BC/PM1 ratio reduced remarkably from about 0.26 recorded before firecracker bursting activity to about 0.09 during firecracker bursting on Diwali night in spite of simultaneous escalation in ambient BC concentration. Such aberration in BC/PM1 was evidently a result of much higher escalation in PM1 than BC in ambient air during firecracker bursting. The study highlighted strong perturbations in ambient PM1, PM2.5, PM10 concentrations and BC/PM1 during the firecracker bursting episode. Altered atmospheric BC/PM1 ratios could serve as indicators of firecracker-polluted air and similar BC/PM1 ratios in local and regional air masses might be used as diagnostic ratios for firecracker smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In different places across the world, bangers and explosives are used during celebrations and holidays. With increasing usage of fireworks increases also frequency of injuries. Explosives may cause three types of ocular injury: burns, blast or concussion effects and injuries related to foreign bodies penetrating into the eye. Incidence varies in different countries. Case: A 49-year-old man got injured during New Year's Eve celebrations. A banger exploded directly into his left eye. At the Ophthalmology Clinic of University Hospital Hradec Králové a revision was conducted with finding of dilaceration of sclera and cornea, loss of uveal tissue and lens, haemorrhagic ablation of choroidea. Postoperatively systematic and local anti-inflammatory therapy was used. Discussion: Usually these injuries are most common at young men, who are actively working with explosives before getting hurt. Alcohol is proven in minority of cases. Most of the injuries are mild, about one fifth of injuries are severe with significant loss of vision. Conclusion: Ocular injuries from fireworks are rare but can result in a very serious condition, like we described in our case-report. Our patient's injury resulted in severe loss of vision and problems not only in personal but also in professional life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In several previous studies emission of ozone (O 3 ) during fireworks has been reported, which was attributed to either photolysis of molecular oxygen (O 2 ) or nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) by short/near UV radiation emitted during the high-temperature combustion of fireworks. In contrast, in the present study no O 3 formation was observed using a selective O 3 -LOPAP instrument during the combustion of pyrotechnical material in the laboratory, while a standard O 3 monitor using UV absorption showed extremely high O 3 signals. The artificial O 3 response of the standard O 3 monitor was caused by known interferences associated with high levels of co-emitted VOCs and could also be confirmed in field measurements during New Year's Eve in the city of Wuppertal, Germany. The present results help to explain unreasonably high ozone levels documented during ambient fireworks, which are in contradiction to the fast titration of O 3 by nitrogen monoxide (NO) in the night-time atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterizes the epidemiology of nonfatal pediatric firework-related injuries in the United States among children and adolescents by analyzing data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 1990 through 2014. During this 25-year period, an estimated 136 991 (95% CI = 113 574-160 408) children <20 years old were treated in US emergency departments for firework-related injuries. The annual injury rate decreased significantly by 30.4% during this period. Most of those injured were male (75.7%), mean patient age was 10.6 years, and 7.6% required hospital admission. The hands (30.0%) were the most commonly injured body region, followed by head and neck (22.2%), and eyes (21.5%). Sixty percent of injuries were burns. Injuries were most commonly associated with firecrackers (26.2%), aerial devices (16.3%), and sparklers (14.3%). Consumer fireworks pose a serious injury risk to pediatric users and bystanders, and families should be encouraged to attend public firework displays rather than use consumer fireworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine the current population-based epidemiology, treatment, use of resources and outcomes of children's eye injuries in Finland. Methods The study included all new patients, 16 years of age or under, with ocular or orbital traumas taken into care to the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (population base 1.5 million people) in 1 year. The follow-up period was 3 months. Results Two hundred and two children's eye injuries were treated. The eye injury incidence was 5.2-8.3 per 10 000 per year, including all minor and major eye traumas. Eye injury most likely occurred at the junior high school age (13-16 years). Thirty-three percentage of accidents took place at home and 24% at school or in day care. The most common causes were sports equipment (15%), contact with human body (12%) and superficial foreign bodies (11%). Excluding minor injuries, contusion was the most common diagnosis ( n = 60, 30%). Eighty-seven percentage of contusion patients were estimated to need lifelong follow-up due to elevated glaucoma risk. Nine percentage of all patients had a permanent disability. Guns, fireworks, tools and pellet guns were relatively the most dangerous objects. Pellet guns caused 6% of eye injuries, 36% of them causing permanent impairment. The number of outpatient visits was altogether 443, inpatient days were 49, and 60 children had major surgeries. Conclusions Use of protective eyewear would have prevented or diminished eye traumas caused by pellet gun, floorball, most of the firework and in many superficial foreign body. The use of pellet guns and protective eyewear should be more supervised. Fireworks and tools are not suitable toys for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Primary explosion injuries with fireworks can lead to devastating and geometrically complex facial traumas that present a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Our patient, a woman in her early thirties, was hit directly in her chin by a large artillery shell firework. This caused complete soft tissue loss of the lower lip and chin beyond the oral commissures, complicated further by a comminuted mandible fracture. Methods. After external fixation, our patient underwent a 2-stage reconstruction with a novel composite flap arrangement. Soft tissue coverage and lip reconstruction were performed with opposing bilateral radial forearm free flaps. The outer flap constituted the soft tissue of the new chin and outer lower lip, whereas the inner flap composed the intraoral lining. In the second stage, portions of the inner upper lip mucosa and superior orbicularis oris muscle were flipped down as a bipedicle, axial pattern "bucket-handle" type flap to the lower lip to reconstruct the vermilion. A graft of fascia lata was attached to the modioli of the orbicularis oris and interpositioned beneath the vermilion flap and the radial forearms to restore static and some dynamic sphincter control. One month later, the mandibular fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Results. Two months after soft tissue reconstruction with no complications, our patient had satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, oral competence, and speech. Conclusions. This case has shown that use of bilateral, fascia lata-reinforced radial forearm flaps may be an effective choice for soft tissue reconstruction and oral competence restoration in cases of severe facial explosion trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a large series of ocular injuries caused by fire-crackers. This study was a hospital-based, singlecenter, retrospective case series in which the records of 51 patients with ocular injuries were analyzed. Injuries were classified according to Birmingham eye trauma terminology system (BETTS). Visual outcomes before and after the intervention were recorded. Ten patients were admitted for further management. As ocular firecracker injuries result in significant morbidity, public education regarding proper use of firecrackers may help in reducing the incidence of ocular injuries.

Since the air pollution and noise generated from fireworks are related to air quality and human health, the regulatory bodies had implemented the eco-friendly "Green Crackers" in megacity Delhi, India, to celebrate Diwali 2019 with the permission of a specific time slot (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.). The present study was conducted on a residential educational institute campus to evaluate the particle number size distribution (PNSD) of green cracker emissions. During the Diwali event period, the high peak of particle number concentration (PNC) reached 1.7 × 105 # cm−3 with a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of ∼44 nm. The average PNC increment on Diwali day was 138% and 97% compared to pre (October 26, 2019) and post (October 28, 2019) Diwali period, respectively, including 468%, 142%, 65%, 75% on pre-Diwali and 485%, 110%, 32%, 26% on post- Diwali 2019 period in terms of Nucleation mode (10 nm < D p < 20 nm), Small Aitken mode (20 nm < D p < 50 nm), Large Aitken mode (50 nm < D p < 100 nm), and Accumulation mode (100 nm < D p < 1000 nm), respectively. Unlike traditional firework emissions, green crackers had a high UFP/N total ratio of 0.72, including Nucleation mode-0.35, Aitken mode-0.30, and Accumulation mode 0.35, distinguishing it from other pre-and post-Diwali particle number size distribution-dN/dlogDp curves. These observations indicate that green crackers emit more particles with smaller diameters than traditional crackers. Recommendations for using green crackers for Diwali celebrations may be an option if lower size-diameter particle emission could be controlled by changing the material composition of the green crackers. More research studies need to be conducted to assess atmospheric emissions of green crackers and their health impacts to evaluate whether they are better or worse than traditional crackers. [Display omitted] • Green crackers emit more particles on the lower size diameter when compared to traditional crackers. • UFP/N total ratio is higher than 0.7, while traditional fireworks have <0.6. • Green Crackers for Diwali celebrations could be an alternative in years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of Beijing aerosol was measured during summer and winter. Two distinct episodes were identified. Water-soluble potassium (K+) increased significantly during the firework episode in winter with an episode to non-episode ratio of 4.97, whereas the biomass burning (BB) episode in summer was characterized by high episode to non-episode ratios of levoglucosan (6.38) and K+ (6.90). The BB and firework episodes had only a minor influence on the water-soluble OC (organic carbon) to OC ratio. Based on separate investigations of episode and non-episode periods, it was found that: (i) sulfate correlated strongly with both relative humidity and nitrate during the typical winter period presumably indicating the importance of the aqueous-phase oxidation of sulfur dioxide by nitrogen dioxide, (ii) oxalate and WSOC during both winter and summer in Beijing were mainly due to secondary formation, and (iii) high humidity can significantly enhance the formation potential of WSOC in winter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In light of past research being targeted to find specific particles which may be similar to gunshot residue (GSR), this project was formulated to detect any possible particulate by random particle fallout onto substrates at firework displays and to assess the impact this may have on GSR evidence. Firework residue was collected at a display site, from amongst spectators as well as from the author''s hair 90min after the display. SEM–EDX analysis has detected such particulate in all three scenarios, with the firework particle population at large providing a solid ground for discrimination from GSR. Wind dispersal was found to decrease the particle population and subsequently, the latter''s discriminatory power. Some particles, if treated individually were found to be indistinguishable from GSR. Findings also include residues which may mimic strontium based GSR as well as GSR which may be mixed with that from previous firings. The continuous changes made to primer and propellant compositions by manufacturers also call for greater consideration when classifying particles as originating from pyrotechnic devices. Furthermore, authorities such as police forces should be made more aware about the incidence of such particle transfer in firework related periods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between perceived risk and risk-taking behaviors during the Iranian Last Wednesday Eve Fireworks (ILWEF). Methods: A random sample of 2475 Tehranian households were asked on perceived risk of injury, risk-taking behaviors, experience of injuries, and their perception of ability to manage the harmful events during the ILWEF. Results: Lower perceived injury risk and higher perceived ability of managing an injured household member were associated with participation in fireworks practice and incidence of injury. Conclusion: These findings can be of practical importance to increase safety during festivals by improving risk perception in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fireworks are used worldwide during national and cultural celebrations. Iranians celebrate the last Wednesday of the Persian year (ILWEF) as an ancient custom. The aim of this study was to determine safety preparedness of inhabitation in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, for 2007 ILWEF fireworks. In this study, interviewers referred to randomly selected addresses after the end of ILWEF. They asked responders about source of information on how to use firework items and having education of safe use of fireworks. Also people were asked about having first aid kits and fire extinguisher at home. The study included 2475 families. To learn how to use fireworks, 1.3% had read brochures; the remainder of responders obtained their information from miscellaneous sources with unknown validity. Only 1.1% of them have had some sort of education on the safe use of fireworks. According to responders, 98.4% did not have any information about the safety standards of fireworks. We conclude that Tehranian households were not sufficiently prepared to guarantee a safe festival. It seems safety preparedness of the community to prevent firework related fires and injuries, by relevant education and promotion of fire safety equipments, needs to be reconsidered in Tehran. Considering the impaired safety preparedness of community for fireworks festival, individuals should attend public fireworks displays conducted by professionals rather than engage in personal use of fireworks. Restriction of the use of fireworks and banning firecrackers lacking appropriate insertions on safety instructions are other solutions to be considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite the changes to the UK fireworks laws and considerable efforts in prevention, children are still being injured by fireworks. The UK is one of many countries that have altered their firework laws in recent years. We reviewed 54 firework-injured children over the last 10 years and assessed the impact of the two recent UK law changes. Our study outlines past British firework legislation and reviews the literature. In November 1996, there were three deaths in England, Wales and Scotland due to fireworks. The British Government introduced the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations of 1996/1997, primarily banning banger fireworks (known as bangers). We have not seen banger injuries in Newcastle since then. The Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks Regulations 2004 limited the sale of fireworks to the 3 weeks surrounding bonfire night, and banned under 18s from purchasing or possessing fireworks. In our series, we noticed that, in 2004, 83% of children''s firework injuries happened in the 3 weeks surrounding Bonfire Night. We conclude that legislation has had an impact, but stricter enforcement of the existing laws and further education of children and the general public into the dangers of fireworks is needed, as children are still being injured. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) is applied for measuring the motions of luminous particles in fireworks. The objective of the study is to clarify the technical problems encountering in large-scale quantitative visualization in natural environment. The major problems are found to be uncontrolled background in nature, low pixel resolution relative to particle size, and large perspective. The ways to deal with these problems in current technological level are discussed. In the application, two cameras are located at 1.3 km from the launching point with 30-degree opening angle to implement 3-D PTV. The transient 3-D velocity distributions of around 200 m-scale diameter fireworks are obtained during the light emission from the explosion till burnout. Moreover, the evolution of the mean particle diameter that decreases continuously with the combustion is estimated with the measured velocity information by the particle's equation of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of the burning of fireworks on air quality in Beijing was firstly assessed from the ambient concentrations of various air pollutants (SO2, NO2, PM2.5, PM10 and chemical components in the particles) during the lantern festival in 2006. Eighteen ions, 20 elements, and black carbon were measured in PM2.5 and PM10, and the levels of organic carbon could be well estimated from the concentrations of dicarboxylic acids. Primary components of Ba, K, Sr, Cl−, Pb, Mg and secondary components of C5H6O4 2−, C3H2O4 2−, C2O4 2−, C4H4O4 2−, SO4 2−, NO3 − were over five times higher in the lantern days than in the normal days. The firework particles were acidic and of inorganic matter mostly with less amounts of secondary components. Primary aerosols from the burning of fireworks were mainly in the fine mode, while secondary formation of acidic anions mainly took place on the coarse particles. Nitrate was mainly formed through homogeneous gas-phase reactions of NO2, while sulfate was largely from heterogeneous catalytic transformations of SO2. Fe could catalyze the formation of nitrate through the reaction of α-Fe2O3 with HNO3, while in the formation of sulfate, Fe is not only the catalyst, but also the oxidant. A simple method using the concentration of potassium and a modified method using the ratio of Mg/Al have been developed to quantify the source contribution of fireworks. It was found that over 90% of the total mineral aerosol and 98% of Pb, 43% of total carbon, 28% of Zn, 8% of NO3 −, and 3% of SO4 2− in PM2.5 were from the emissions of fireworks on the lantern night. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Permanent tattooing due to blast injuries is a rare condition. Treatment with various different methods often yields unsatisfactory results. An innovative way to remove permanent traumatic tattoos is presented. A normal curettage blade is simply compressed with a pincer in order to create the new device. This V-shaped blade was used for surgical excision of the particles. No suture material or special dressing was used. Four patients with multiple explosive tattoos on the face were treated with the V-shaped knife. Due to the ease and speed of this method up to 300 particles were removed in one session. Histological analysis of the tissue samples showed deep dermal and subcutaneous particle location. At follow-up transient hypopigmentation but only minimal scarring was seen. Patients suffered less from itching, a chief complaint preoperatively, and aesthetic appearance of the facial skin was improved. In conclusion, treatment of traumatic tattoos with the V-shaped knife is effective, results in minimal scaring and restores the natural colour of the skin because the particle is completely removed. It is a promising method for treating multiple deep skin inclusions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]