The discovery of fire paved the way for the evolution of mankind. And this did not happen just because it made it possible for humans to diversify their diet, tools and abodes. Almost two million years have elapsed since the monumental discovery of the blazing sorcerer. Great civilisations have come and gone, and humankind survived innumerable catastrophes.
Countless customs, traditions, languages, works of art and architectural gems were lost in the abyss of the advancing ocean that we now call history, but has been steadily passed from generation to generation.
Our little islands were not spared the contagion with this pyrotechnic revelation.
There is documented evidence that the manufacturing of fireworks was rife by the 18th century, as our villages struggled to produce their best creations for the feasts of their respective patron saints.
The rivalry between neighbouring villages and sometimes between feasts within the same village was the catalyst that instigated more experimentation and daring productions, that sometimes resulted in tragic outcomes. Despite innumerable unfortunate incidents, our little archipelago is considered to be a global master in this particular field of artistic expression.
These days, fireworks practice is internationally regulated. Nationally it is guided by the explosive ordinance and the Occupation Health and Safety Act and a number of supplementary legal notices, which determine the sale, manufacture, storage, transportation, let off, the health and safety standards requisites, as well as the knowledge, responsibility and experience that a licensed pyrotechnician must possess.
The general comment that ‘one can buy raw pyrotechnic material as much as one likes’ is misleading, as acquisition of provisions is tightly controlled by a rigorous process. Police licenses empower only their respective holders to acquire this material, mostly from AFM stores.
With regard to quantity of material it is pertinent to note that the Explosive Ordinance already restricts the amount and volume of ground and air fireworks displays during festivities.
This is achieved by a scheduled time period, controlled number and types of mortar let offs, the size of mortars themselves identified by the shells’ diameter, and the actual distances between let offs areas and residential zones.
The recent announcement that Mepa is to finalise a policy on the overall state of affairs in modernising fireworks factory building concepts, and the issue of new, or extension permits to fireworks factories is a much-awaited development that acknowledges and addresses the regularisation this little manufacturing industry desperately needs if we really want to tackle the issues of health and safety.
The availability of adequate land space and a proper layout of the required mixing, preparatory and storage rooms can go a long way towards establishing best practice in the field.
Last week, a new legal notice was published whereby new factory quotas were enforced for the sale of potassium nitrate and chlorate. These measures further reaffirm the government’s commitment to introduce more safe practices during the manufacturing processes. Nitrates are the principle ingredient of black powder which is the backbone of fireworks. Nitrates are less ignition sensitive than most other stable oxidizers and now that the quota has been increased this will guarantee a more generous and proper use of black powder.
It will discourage pyrotechnicians from being tempted to use dangerous and outdated formulations due to lack of supply of nitrates.
Moreover, Malta is in a transition phase whereby licensed pyrotechnicians have been gradually switching from the use of chlorates to perchlorates, a highly recommended measure to ensure more health and safety standards.
Undoubtedly, this will decrease the risk of accidents during the manufacturing process. It is scientifically claimed that perchlorate oxidizers have good chemical stability (less sensitive to heat, friction and impact), have low toxicity levels, are available in highly purified forms, and have excellent reactivity with a wide range of pyrotechnic fuels.
The recent comments blaming fireworks as the main culprit are alarmist to say the least
To encourage better practices, the chemical use of hazardous chlorates in the making of il-berqa has been banned, and the recommended reduction in utility quotas, is more than welcomed. The chlorate use in coloured petards is imperative and this is why it cannot be totally abolished.
It is a known fact that the use of perchlorate should be less of a concern with respect to environmental contamination than chlorates, and that any health risks that link perchlorate concentrations to thyroid disorders are scientifically debatable and not proven.
The local air and ground perchlorate concentration levels as researched by the University of Malta a few years back has scientific bias and some specific assumptions.
It does not identify the source of origin of perchlorate contamination and assumes the high levels of this pollutant are not derived from seasonal changes in air travel and ground traffic transportation.
So the recent comments in the press on the perchlorate issue blaming fireworks as the main culprit are alarmist to say the least. May I suggest that University research the ongoing health effects of the many gaseous and micro-solid pollutants discharged by the horrible congestion of slow-moving traffic that is choking our islands not only through exhaust fumes but also by frequent vehicle braking.
This is definitely Malta’s major health concern, closely followed by Enemalta power station emissions. I am of the firm opinion that we must adopt a more positive pro-active approach to pyrotechnics.
Most Maltese factories are non-commercial entities and also registered as NGOs. It is high time we create the right incentives, to help these entities acquire a more professional, structured, health-friendly environment. The necessary regular educational back up should be made available and accessible. Free regulated pyro mixture sensitivity testing based at University or elsewhere should be an available service.
Playing with fire doesn’t have to be a risky business, but can be turned into a particularly entertaining affair.
Godfrey Farrugia is a Labour MP.