Fireworks and firecrackers are used on fun and joyous ways to commemorate festivals, cultural events, and national occasions. But in the UK, not all fireworks are equally acceptable. Professional fireworks displays are both legal and well-liked, but the usage of firecrackers, a kind of explosive made to produce loud bangs, is completely prohibited outside of these settings.
Why, therefore, are firecrackers prohibited in the UK? What kind of dangers are expected with their use and how are they a little different from fireworks? Firecrackers are basically small and tiny explosives which are used on a small scale but they only make a loud noise. The question arises now, what is the use of firecrackers other than making a loud band? NO, firecrackers have no use except creating a noise.
Firecrackers laws in the UK
There are many laws related to firecrackers which must be followed first before using them. These include:
- People who only carry a license to use fireworks are only allowed to use them.
- Not every individual is allowed to light them up especially teenagers under the age of eighteen.
- Firecrackers should not be sold to the general public as they are usually found under the category of F4, thus cannot be used randomly.
Why the rules?
Why are there such restriction in the United Kingdom? And why there should be rules? Here’s a guide.
- These rules are made for the safety of their own people. Many people without any guidance or any idea on using firecrackers tend to use them which risks the life of many individuals. That is why a proper license is required.
- Fireworks can also worsen the air quality and cause air pollution leading to smog, fires etc.
- Launching of firecrackers can also lead to permanent hearing loss as sometimes it can lead to explosions causing ear damage to many people who are sensitive to loud noises.
Why are these firecrackers banned?
There are a number of reasons why firecrackers are banned in the United Kingdom. Here’s why:
- Dangers including burns
Firecrackers are light up in a small area, unlike fireworks they do not require an open, vast area to light up. Lighting them up in a small area can lead to burns on feet, hands or legs which can be painful.
- Eye injuries
Firecrackers can be quite dangerous to your eyes. How? These firecrackers are started on a small area and sometimes, can go directly in the eye if not dealt with care which can be dangerous for the eyes leading to pain, eye damage, or permanent vision loss.
- Ear damages
Firecrackers can cause high damage to the ears. The loud noise it creates can be damaging to our ears or those already suffering from hearing issues leading to permanent hearing loss. Old people can get scared from the loud noise it created as well.
- Misuse by individuals
Many children or teenagers, under the legal age of 18 years of age tend to use firecrackers for their own joy and happiness not being aware of the dangers it can lead to. Without any license or permission, their usage can be quite dangerous for the public.
- Irritating or worrying
The noise created by firecrackers can be quite irritating or disturbing to small children especially elderly individuals as the noise can be quite damaging to their ears. If firecrackers are light up in home towns, this can be quite dangerous for the people residing there.
- The Vast Impact on Animals and Birds:
Fireworks affect animals a lot more than you think:
- Think of it this way. Imagine you’re launching fireworks and see birds flying in the sky. Won’t they be affected? Yes, they would. A lot. These fireworks may risk their lives.
- Fireworks, if launched without any guidance can cause animal burns which is quite dangerous.
- Animals, by hearing the loud voice can cause them to shiver from fear which isn’t quite good.
- Birds may have to leave their nests as well.
- Firecrackers and mental health
Well, a lot of people struggle with conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. These individuals are afraid of explosives, and occasionally the sound of firecrackers can frighten them.
- Damage to the environment
Firecrackers are dangerous to people with hearing issues and these can aggravate their condition. Many people get disturbed by loud booms caused by fireworks and are sensitive to minor sound, so firecrackers is not a convenient option for them. These have metals like strontium which can be harmful to bone health, copper which can be harmful to our respiratory tract and some other metals which are very harmful to your health and impact the air quality!
However, with advancements in technology, now eco-friendly firecrackers are being used and most of them do not cause any noise too!
- Fines and punishments
People who still use firecrackers can be charged upto £5,000, which is A LOT!
While fines may sound big, people using firecrackers can also be imprisoned in jail for upto six whole months or almost 180 days! These people, if they sell firecrackers without any license can cause them to lose their materials or belongings.
Any other options?
What else can you use, even though firecrackers can be prohibited in some places in the UK? Well, there are a lot of choices. You can have a laser light show, a colored and dancing fountain show, or a light show with light sticks for a colorful and captivating presentation! You can have as much fun as you like with these, and they are totally safe to use! Fireworks are undoubtedly a fantastic choice, but as a responsible citizen, you should also abide by the rules rather than disobey them.
A Ban good for all
A ban on firecrackers is for the safety and protection of UK’s safety raising awareness among people about firecrackers and its dangers.