Experts warn of the dark side to fireworks

Fireworks at the "Fêtes de Genève" Keystone

The Swiss are getting ready to light up the night skies with spectacular pyrotechnical displays to celebrate Swiss National Day on August 1.

But despite the popularity of this ancient dazzling tradition, fireworks remain a serious hazard for both humans and the environment.

Alongside traditional National Day bonfires and parties organised across the country, over recent years firework displays have continued to attract hordes of locals and tourists.

Lakeside cities, such as Zurich, Geneva or Lugano, provide the perfect setting for these eye-catching events.

“Fireworks can be launched far away from the lakeshore. This allows us to use a wider range of materials with great security and create ever more spectacular effects,” Pierre-Alain Beretta, director of fireworks firm Pyrostars, told swissinfo.

The Geneva-based company will be lighting up the skies on August 11 as part of the “Fêtes de Genève”, in what has become one of the most stunning firework displays in Europe. This year’s spectacle is based on the four seasons, with accompanying music by the classical composer Vivaldi.

A fashion show

From a technical and logistical perspective, pyrotechnics shows like the one in Geneva have made huge progress over the last few years.

Bangers, Bengal lights or Catherine wheels have become part of an increasingly sophisticated set-up.

“Everything has become computerised, from the graphic figures all the way to the launching of the fireworks, which can be programmed from a distance via remote control,” Beretta explained.

He and his team pay particular attention to the spectators’ reactions to help come up with innovative ideas.

“Over the last few years we have noticed the enormous success of the golden or pastel (pale pink, blue, pale orange and lemon yellow) fireworks,” said Berretta.

The dark side of the light

But these magical light shows can also be extremely dangerous if the materials are not handled properly.

Under Swiss law, fireworks are classified by risk into different categories (on a scale from I to IV), which are the same as those used throughout Europe.

A minimum age is required to buy the more dangerous fireworks and in some cases an authorisation from the canton is necessary in order to sell them.

“When mishandled, even the least dangerous fireworks can become destructive weapons,” explained Beretta.

Every year numerous firework accidents result in fires and millions of Swiss francs of damage and in visits to hospital.

Fireworks are also dangerous for the environment, because they contain a certain number of toxic and polluting substances, which influence the eco-system and people’s health.

According to the Federal Environment Office, 1,500 tons of fireworks are sold in Switzerland every year.

When they explode fireworks release a fine dust, which when inhaled can be particularly harmful. A study in Basel showed that on August 1, the amount of potassium in the air is around 100 times higher than the days before and after National Day.

swissinfo, based on an Italian article by Anna Passera

History of fireworks

The first mixtures of explosive powders were made in the 8th century in China. They did not arrive in Europe until 1241, after the Mongol invasions.

The 16th-century English philosopher Francis Bacon created gunpowder with proportions that are still used nowadays.

For a long time the powder was only used for wars.

The first recorded examples of gunpowder being used for celebrations date back to Italy in the 12th century.

In the mid-19th century the “art of fire” became popular all around the world.

Metals and colours

Up until the 19th century fireworks were white and were made with gunpowder.

Coloured fireworks were created when the powder was added to various metals. At a temperature of at least 400 degrees Celsius, the metals emit energy in the form of luminous radiations of different colours.

For example strontium emits a carmine red light, calcium a pale red one, sodium a bright yellow one, barium a green one, and copper a blue one.