Wikipedia

Firecracker

For other uses, seeFirecracker (disambiguation).

Afirecracker(cracker,noise maker,banger[1]) is a smallexplosivedevice primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang, usually for celebration or entertainment; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. They have fuses, and are wrapped in a heavy paper casing to contain the explosive compound. Firecrackers, along withfireworks,originated inChina.

Chinese firecracker roll being set off
Large flower cracker set off at night
Firecrackers set off inSibu,Malaysia,to celebrateChinese New Year

History

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See also:History of gunpowder

The predecessor of the firecracker was a type of heatedbamboo,used as early as 200 BCE, that exploded when heated continuously. The Chinese name for firecrackers,baozhu(Bạo trúc), literally means "exploding bamboo."[2]After the invention of gunpowder, gunpowder firecrackers had a shape that resembled bamboo and produced a similar sound, so the name "exploding bamboo" was retained.[3]In traditional Chinese culture, firecrackers were used to scare off enemies or evil spirits.[citation needed]

Firecrackers production and sales

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Ingredients

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Firecrackers are generally made of cardboard or plastic, withflash powder,cordite,smokeless powder,orblack powderas the propellant. This is not always the case, however. Anything from match heads to kerosene and lighter fluid has been used successfully in making firecrackers.[citation needed]The key to loud firecrackers, however, although in part lying in the propellant substance, is pressure. The entire firecracker must be very tightly packed in order for it to work best. Flash powder, however, does not need to be packed tightly, and should not be.

Manufacturing

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Dyer Ball on firecrackers.

James Dyer Ball,in his bookThings Chinese,has a detailed description about the process and material used for making firecrackers at the end of the 19th century. At that time, firecrackers were made by women and children workers, using straw paper to make the body of the firecracker, while the fuse was made of paper imported from Japan made from the inner lining of the bamboo plant, or rice paper, stiffened with buckwheat paste. The bamboo paper was cut into strips of 14 inches (360 mm) long and1⁄3inch (8.5 mm) wide, laid on a table; a string of gunpowder was placed at the center with a hollow tube, then twisted up to make a piece of fuse. The firecracker tubes were made from pieces of straw paper wrapped around iron rods of various diameters and then tightened with a special tool. 200 to 300 firecrackers were tied up in a bunch, then red clay was spread at the bottom of the bunch and forced into each end of the firecracker with a punch; gunpowder was poured in, then the other end was sealed with an awl by turning the tube inward, and a fuse inserted.[4]

Green or environment friendly firecracker

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After India'sNational Green Tribunal(NGT) enacted a ban on the sale and use of crackers onDiwalifestival in 2020, theCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) developed green crackers made from cleaner raw materials which reduce emissions by suppressing the production of dust; their emissions are 30% lower but are also of reduced loudness, at 110-125 decibels instead of the more than 160 decibels of traditional firecrackers. However, green crackers still contain harmful pollutants such as aluminium, barium, potassium nitrate and carbon.[5]

Sales, packaging and branding

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A firecracker roll containing 10,000 firecrackers.

Early (pre-1920s) Chinese firecrackers (also known as "Mandarin firecrackers" ) were typically1⁄2to 2 inches (13 to 51 mm) long, and approximately1⁄4inch (6.4 mm) in diameter, and were charged withblack powder.Mandarin crackers produced a less loud, duller thud compared to modern flash-light crackers (which utilize a different explosive known asflash powder). Mandarin crackers produced a dimmer, less brilliant flash when they exploded also. Individual Mandarin crackers were most often braided into "strings" of varying lengths, which, when ignited, exploded in rapid sequence. Generally, the strings (sometimes containing as many as several thousand crackers) would be hung from an overhead line before ignition. Most Mandarin crackers were colored all red and did not generally have designs or logos decorating their exterior surface (or "shell wraps" ). Occasionally a few yellow and green colored Mandarin crackers were created and would be braided into the predominantly all-red strings to symbolize the emperor and the ruling class, while the numerous red crackers symbolized the common man.

Once flash powder, which produces a significantly sharper and brighter bang, replaced black powder as a firecracker's explosive charge (circa 1924), manufacturers began competing to gain loyalty of typical consumers (that is, mainly boys 8 to 16 years old). Thousands of brands were created during the flash-light cracker's heyday from the 1920s through the early 1970s. Only a small percentage of brands lasted more than a year or two. Collectors now seek the various labels from the era.[6]

Until the mid-1980s, firecracker production was low-tech. They were handmade, beginning with rolling tubes. Once the firecracker tubes were rolled by hand (commonly from newspaper) and labelled, and then filled with powder, their ends were crimped and fuses inserted, all by hand. These finished firecrackers were usually braided into "strings" and sold in packs which came in many sizes, from the very small ( "penny packs" containing as few as four to six firecrackers) to the most common size packs (containing 16 and 20 crackers per pack), to larger packs (containing 24, 30, 32, 40, 50, 60, 72, 90, 100, and 120 firecrackers), to huge "belts" and "rolls" (packages containing strings of several hundred to several thousand crackers—Phantom Fireworks sells rolls as large as 16,000 firecrackers[7]). Firecracker packages were wrapped in colourful and translucentglassinepaper, as well as clear cellophane, with glassine the most popular.

The final operation involved applying a branded label on each pack, then bundling finished packs into wholesale lots called "bricks" which contained an average of 80 packs each (varying according to the size of the packs being bundled; for example, packs of 32 crackers might have 40 packs per brick, compared to packs of 16 or 20 with 80 packs per brick).

Usage

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Two men dressed as colonial soldiers carry a banner, exploding firecrackers, commemoratingGuy Fawkesand his co-conspirators as part ofLewesBonfire Night celebrations.

Laws governing production, sales and usage of firecrackers

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Firecrackers, as well as other types of explosives, are subject to various laws in many countries, although firecrackers themselves are not usually considered illegal contraband material. It is usually the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of firecrackers that are subject to laws, including safety requirements for manufacture, the requirement of a permit to sell or store, or restrictions on the use of firecrackers.

Celebrations

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Firecrackers are commonly used in celebration of holidays or festivals, such asHalloween,Independence Day(also known as the Fourth of July) in the United States,DiwaliinIndia,Eid al-FitrinSoutheast Asia,TiharinNepal,Day of AshurainMorocco,Guy Fawkes Nightor Bonfire Night in the United Kingdom, Halloween in Ireland, Bastille Day in France, SpanishFallas,in almost every cultural festival ofSri Lanka(e.g.Sri Lankan New Year),New Year's EveandNew Year's Day,and in the celebration ofChinese New Yearby Chinese communities around the world.

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The use of firecrackers, although a traditional part of the celebration, has over the years led to many injuries and deaths. There have been incidents every year of users being blinded, losing body parts, or suffering other injuries, especially during festivities that customarily involve firecrackers such as Chinese New Year season. Hence, many governments and authorities have enacted laws completely banning the sale or use of firecrackers, or banning the use of firecrackers in the street, primarily because of safety or environmental reasons.

These rules also require a permit from the local government, as well as any relevant local bodies such as maritime or aviation authorities (as relevant to the types of firecrackers being used) and hospitals, schools, etc., within a certain range.

Australia

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In most states and territories, firecrackers are illegal without a permit and part of a display by a licensed pyrotechnician.[8][9]Tasmania,ACTandNorthern Territoryallow consumer use with a permit (dependent on calendar date). Northern Territory is the only part of Australia where a consumer does not require a permit, but this only applies on 1 July for Territory Day.[10]

Canada

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Firecrackers are not authorized under the Explosives Act, thus making importation, possession, transportation, storage, or manufacturing illegal in Canada.[11]

Croatia

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The use of firecrackers is regulated by theLaw on Explosive Substances and the Production and Trading of Weapons(Croatian:Zakon o eksplozivnim tvarima te proizvodnji i prometu oružja). According to the Law, firecrackers (including other pyrotechnic articles) are divided into three classes:Class 1 Pyrotechnics- pyrotechnic articles for fireworks which represent a very low risk, have negligible noise level and are intended for use in restricted areas, including fireworks intended for use within residential buildings;Class 2 and 3 Pyrotechnics- pyrotechnic articles for fireworks which represent low to medium risk, have medium to high noise level and are intended for outdoor use in restricted areas and large open areas. Class 1 Pyrotechnics can be sold all year round to people over the age of 14 in general stores and newsstands, while Class 2 and 3 Pyrotechnics can only be sold between 15 December and 1 January each year at gun shops and stores with special permits to the people over the age of 14 (class 2) or over the age of 18 (class 3). Use of Class 2 and 3 Pyrotechnics is allowed only in the period between 27 December and 1 January.[12]Each year since 1993, between 15 December and 8 January, the police carries out the "Peace and good" action with the aim of prevention of people from getting hurt and violating public order. The penalties for unauthorized use of pyrotechnic articles range between 1,000 and 15,000kunas(€135 - €2,035) for people, and between 10,000 and 80,000 kunas (€1,355 - €10,850) for companies. For a legal guardian of a child under the age of 14 who have used pyrotechnic articles, fine ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 kunas (€135 - €405).[13]

China

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As of 2008, most urban areas in mainland China permit firecrackers. In the first three days of the traditional New Year, it is a tradition that people compete with each other by playing with firecrackers. However, many urban areas banned them in the 1990s. For example, they were banned inBeijing'surban districtsfrom 1993 to 2005.[14]Since the ban was lifted, the firecracker barrage has been tremendous. An unusual[clarification needed]feature is that many residents in major cities look down on street-level fireworks from their tower blocks. Bans are rare in rural areas.

Czech Republic

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Firecrackers are legal in the Czech Republic. They can have up to 5g of flash powder and can be bought by anyone older than 21 years. For stronger firecrackers (up to 100g) a permit is required.

Germany

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Fireworks are classified. Some fireworks are restricted to adults (18 years), may be sold to private persons only on three days before New Year's Eve and may be used only on New Year's Eve or New Year (special permits can be obtained to use these on other days of the year). Other fireworks have no such restrictions, however, they are not recommended for children below 12 years and guidance by adults is advised. Certain fireworks are available only to professionals.

Finland

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Firecrackers sold to consumers are restricted to 0.95 grams of black powder. The ban on larger firecrackers went into effect in 1996. Before, mid-sizekiinanpommiorkiinari( "Chinese bomb" ) andtykinlaukausand largetykäri( "artillery shot" ) had become cheap and common products that were often used by children after the celebration, leading to accidents.[15]

Hong Kong

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Firecrackers and fireworks were banned in Hong Kong for security reasons in 1967,[16]as a result of manyIEDattacks in the1967 Leftist Riot.[17]However, the government stages a fireworks display inVictoria Harbourfor New Year countdown and the second day of the Chinese New Year.

Hungary

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Firecrackers are banned in Hungary since 2005. Other types of consumer fireworks are only allowed to be sold and used on New Year's Eve. Many people smuggle firecrackers from Slovakia, where they are legal.

India

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Main article:Firecrackers in India
Bullet Bomb Firecracker
Firecracker shop inNagpurduringDiwali

Firecrackers are easily available in India and are used to mark a celebratory event. They are legal, and anyone 18 and over can buy them without a licence.

VijayadashamiandDiwalifireworks are a family event in many parts of India.[18]People light up fireworks near their homes and in streets. Additionally, cities and communities have community fireworks.

This custom may have begun on the Indian subcontinent after 1400 CE when gunpowder started being utilised in Indian warfare.[19]

India's first fireworks factory was established in Calcutta during the 19th century.[20]

In October and November, farmers fromPunjabandHaryanaburn agricultural waste and the weather tends not to be windy, so Delhi's air pollution usually increases, which has been a major environmental problem in recent years.[21]Firecrackers for the Diwali holiday can worsen this pollution. In October 2017, the Supreme Court banned firecrackers in Delhi, as a result of which the industry said it faced losses of Rs 1,000-crore and consequently layoffs.[22]

After India'sNational Green Tribunal(NGT) ordered a ban in theNCRregion on the sale and use of crackers in 2020, theCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) developed "green crackers" that used less polluting raw materials. Several states in India have either banned firecrackers or limited the time, noise level and type (mandatory use of less polluting firecrackers) that can be used.[5]Nonetheless, many firecrackers were used to celebrate the Vijayadashami and Diwali holidays in 2020, immediately after which Delhi's air pollution was over 9 times the level that theWorld Health Organizationconsiders safe.[21]

Aaratrika Bhaumik writing for the website "livelaw.in" mentions the ban put in place by theCalcutta High Courton firecrackers (green firecrackers included) throughout the state ofWest Bengalfor the 2021VijayadashamiandDiwalifestivities. The ban extends to all remaining festivals in the year, such as,Chhath Puja,Kali Puja,Guru Nanak Jayanti,Christmasand New Year's.[23]

Indonesia

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Firecrackers and fireworks are generally forbidden in public during the Chinese New Year, especially in areas with significant non-Chinese populations, to avoid conflict between the two. However, there are some exceptions. The usage of firecrackers is legal in some metropolitan areas such asJakartaandMedan,where the degree of racial and cultural tolerance is higher.

Ireland

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Fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted in the Republic of Ireland; however, many people smuggle them fromNorthern Ireland,where they are legal. They are most common aroundHalloween.[24]Irish anti-firecracker laws are considered among the strictest in the world, equal to Chile's.[25][26]

Malaysia

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Private citizens are banned from using fireworks in the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Explosives Act 1957. However, the illegal setting of fireworks and firecrackers are rarely enforced as they are tolerated during festive seasons. In addition, fireworks are readily available in the community.[27]

The government only allows fireworks for public events, and some authorised events held by businesses and other groups with a permit.

Norway

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The government of Norway banned the sale of rockets to individuals in early 2009, while allowing rockets to continue to be used in firework displays managed by licensed professionals. Other types of fireworks can still be sold.

Philippines

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Fireworks and firecrackers are widely available throughout the Philippines and bothRepublic Act7183 and Executive Order 28 were enacted to regulate and to control the sale, distribution, manufacture and use of firecrackers forpublic safety.[28]Under Republic Act 7183, there are certain firecrackers that are legal such asJudas' beltand the prohibition of a certain firecracker and pyrotechnic devices shall be determined by the Director-General of thePhilippine National Police.Although, there arecities in the Philippinesbanning all kinds of firecrackers and those cities areMuntinlupa(since 2013),Olongapo(since 2008)[29]andDavao City(since 2001).[30][31]Injuries involving the use or ingestion of "Piccolo"sticks account for the majority of firecracker-related incidents in the country.[32][33]However, in December 2020, firecrackers were banned in some areas ofMetro Manilato prevent injuries and avoid mass gatherings in the region due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[34][35]For example, Mayor Joy Belmonte ofQuezon Citysaid that fireworks and firecracker use is strictly prohibited in basketball courts, streets and public spaces, and can only be used in designated firecracker zones. Some provinces and municipalities outside of Metro Manila also imposed a firecracker ban to make sure that minimum health protocols will be observed during the new year celebration.

Singapore

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A partial ban on firecrackers was imposed in March 1970 after a fire killed six people and injured 68.[36]This was extended to a total ban in August 1972, after an explosion that killed two people.[37]and an attack on two police officers attempting to stop a group from letting off firecrackers in February 1972.[38]Since, in 2003, thegovernmentallowed firecrackers to be set off during the festive season, but only by government approved and appointed personnel. As such, private individuals are still prohibited from setting off fireworks and firecrackers. At the Chinese New Year light-up inChinatown,at the stroke of midnight on the first day of the Lunar New Year, firecrackers are set off under controlled conditions by theSingapore Tourism Board.Other occasions where firecrackers are allowed to be set off are determined by thetourism boardor other government organisations. Private sale and importation of fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited.

Sweden

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Only rocket-type fireworks and small firecrackers are currently allowed in Sweden. The ban of firecrackers was effectuated by theEU Parliamentand Swedish government effective 1 December 2001, but in 2006 the EU Parliament changed the laws, allowing smaller types of firecrackers. By 2008, the law had to be in effect in all EU member countries, including Sweden.

Taiwan

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Firecrackers have been banned in urban areas of Taiwan since 2008, but are still allowed in rural areas.[citation needed]

United Kingdom

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In 1997, firecrackers became illegal, but most other consumer fireworks are legal.[39]

United States

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According toReader's Digest,as of June 2023 49 states plus Washington, D.C. allow consumer fireworks to some degree. The types allowed vary by state. Massachusetts is the only state that prohibits fireworks in any form.[40]

In 2007,New York Citylifted its decade-old ban on firecrackers, allowing a display of 300,000 firecrackers to be set off inChinatown'sChatham Square.[41]Under the supervision of thefireandpolicedepartments,Los Angelesregularly lights firecrackers every New Year's Eve, mostly at temples and the shrines of benevolent associations. TheSan FranciscoChinese New Year Parade, the largest outside China, is accompanied by numerous firecrackers, both officially sanctioned and illicit.

Vietnam

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In 1994, theGovernment of Vietnamdecided to ban firecrackers nationwide. Only fireworks displays produced and performed by the government are permitted.

See also

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References

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  1. ^Miller, John (June 2015).The Essential Lingo Dictionary: of Australian words and phrases.Exisle Publishing.ISBN9781775592266.Retrieved29 May2017.
  2. ^David Curtis Wright (29 September 2005). Thomas F. Glick; Steven J. Livesey; Faith Wallis (eds.).Medieval Science, Technology, and Medicine: An Encyclopedia2.Psychology Press. p. 211.ISBN978-0-415-96930-7.
  3. ^Hugh Baker (1 June 2011).Ancestral Images: A Hong Kong Collection.Hong Kong University Press. p. 184.ISBN978-988-8083-09-1.
  4. ^James Dyer Ball,Things Chinese, 4th edition, p195, NY 1906.
  5. ^abWhat are green firecrackers? All you need to know,Hindustan Times, 13 Nov 2020.
  6. ^"A Guide To Collecting Chinese Firecrackers".www.crackerpacks.com.
  7. ^Phantom Fireworks catalog page for 16,000 rollArchived2010-12-15 at theWayback MachineRetrieved 2010-12-31
  8. ^"Don't risk lives by using illegal fireworks - WorkSafe".Work Safe Victoria.27 December 2017.Retrieved15 November2020.
  9. ^"Fireworks".SafeWork NSW.17 August 2018.Retrieved15 November2020.
  10. ^"Disposal of shopgoods fireworks".NT Work Safe.13 October 2020.Retrieved15 November2020.
  11. ^"Authorization Guidelines for Consumer and Display Fireworks".Archived fromthe originalon 5 June 2013.
  12. ^"Zakon o eksplozivnim tvarima te proizvodnji i prometu oružja".narodne-novine.nn.hr.
  13. ^"Kazne za pirotehnička sredstva i do 80.000 kuna".
  14. ^People's Daily'Beijing to loose 12-year ban on firecrackers',peopledaily.com, 20 July 2005, accessed 11 November 2008.
  15. ^"Entisajan ilotulitteet tekivät pahimmillaan karmeaa jälkeä – nämä räjähteet eivät enää kuulu uudenvuoden juhlintaan".Yle Uutiset.31 December 2014.
  16. ^Li, Jessica (15 September 2017)."From the archives: how 1967 riots led to Hong Kong fireworks ban".SCMP.Archivedfrom the original on 17 September 2017.Retrieved3 April2023.
  17. ^"Fifty years on: The riots that shook Hong Kong in 1967".The Foreign Correspondents' Club, Hong Kong. 18 May 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 5 August 2019.Retrieved3 April2023.
  18. ^"Til oil bath marks Chhoti Diwali celebrations".The Times of India.3 November 2013.Archivedfrom the original on 5 December 2013.
  19. ^"A brief and crackling history of fireworks in India".The Indian Express.14 November 2020.Retrieved17 November2020.
  20. ^"A brief and crackling history of fireworks in India".The Indian Express.14 November 2020.Retrieved18 December2021.
  21. ^ab"Northern India chokes on toxic smog day after Diwali festival".CNN.Reuters. 15 November 2020.Retrieved15 November2020.
  22. ^"SC ban on firecrackers: Industry stares at Rs 1,000-crore loss, layoffs".hindustantimes.com/.9 October 2017.Retrieved9 October2017.
  23. ^Bhaumik, Aaratrika (29 October 2021)."Calcutta High Court Bans Firecrackers In West Bengal During Diwali & Other Festivals".www.livelaw.in.Retrieved29 October2021.
  24. ^Citizensinformation.ie."Fireworks: the law".www.citizensinformation.ie.
  25. ^"Are Fireworks Banned in Ireland? - Fireworks Crazy Blog".
  26. ^Barry, Aoife (27 October 2013)."Warning over fireworks danger - and €10,000 fine for using them illegally".TheJournal.ie.
  27. ^"Lam Thye: Menace of illegal fireworks still persists".New Straits Times Online.29 May 2019.Retrieved9 February2022.
  28. ^"REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7183".chanrobles.com.Retrieved28 December2016.
  29. ^"Ordinance 29 series of 2014 - General Santos City"(PDF).Retrieved1 January2016.
  30. ^Geronimo, Gian (1 January 2013)."Firecracker ban keeps Davao City injury-free for fourth straight year".GMA News.Retrieved1 January2016.
  31. ^Lacorte, Germelina."Horns define Davao New Year".Philippine Daily Inquirer.Retrieved1 January2016.
  32. ^Uy, Jocelyn (8 December 2015)."DOH urges ban on 'piccolo' firecracker".Philippine Daily Inquirer.Retrieved1 January2016.
  33. ^"Piccolo still cause of most firecracker-related injuries —DOH".GMA News.28 December 2015.Retrieved1 January2016.
  34. ^"Firecrackers banned in Metro Manila — NCRPO chief".21 December 2020.
  35. ^"Not all Metro Manila LGUs imposing total firecracker ban".25 December 2020.
  36. ^Book soul 1970Archived2006-11-21 at theWayback Machine,book-soul.com
  37. ^Chingay PastArchivedAugust 5, 2006, at theWayback Machine,chingay.org.sg
  38. ^Akbur M., Peer (2002).Policing Singapore in the 19th and 20th centuries.Singapore Police Force.p. 100.ISBN981-04-7024-X.
  39. ^"BANGERS BANNED AND BOYS BEHAVING BADLY GIVEN A ROCKET IN FIREWORK CLAMPDOWN - October 14,1997 /PR Newswire UK/".Prnewswire.co.uk.Retrieved7 November2015.
  40. ^Bryant, Kelly (19 May 2021)."These are the states where fireworks are legal in 2023".Reader's Digest.Retrieved5 December2023.
  41. ^Can you pig it? New York goes hog-wild for Chinese New YearArchivedFebruary 19, 2007, at theWayback Machine,New York Post,February 17, 2007.
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