Awareness of hazards of toxic materials used in fire works

Abstract

Fireworks in Malta are an established tradition and part and parcel of the Island's village festa. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess knowledge of the hazards which people involved in fireworks face. The notion is that fireworks are a continuous risk due to the explosive nature they are made of. In reality there is another risk which is the handling of the chemicals involved in the manufacture of fireworks. This study is focused on this initial part in the production of fireworks. In this study 20 factory leaders where chosen at random and interviewed. It was concluded that ignorance (lack of knowledge) about the hazards from chemicals prevails. Most of these chemicals are toxic and if handled without the necessary precautions can lead to chronic diseases • Normally knowledge about fireworks handling is gained through the word of mouth from one generation to another and not through formal education. Most workers are so eager to make fireworks, that the important aspect of handling chemicals is completely forgotten. Health and safety preventive techniques are being taught teaching at the courses, which are held to acquire a licence 'A' or 'B', to manufacture or assist in the manufacture of fireworks, but it has been introduced only recently. I started these lectures only three years ago. These lectures generated an interest among the 40 candidates attending the course and the feedback was very encouraging. But two hours are not even enough to do a decent introduction. The number of persons attending the lectures was too small to reach all those involved in fireworks involved in fireworks production. There are 800 licenced persons. Their age vary between 18 and 80+ years. The comments from the 20 licensees interviewed were very similar, which showed that teaching and information regarding Health and Safety should be made available to everyone involved in fireworks.