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Young World
Safe and sparkling fun
KAMALA BALACHANDRAN
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Sparklers may not be as safe as they seem. Here are some precautions to take.
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PHOTO: K. GOPINATHAN
SAFE DEEPAVALI: Sparklers are fun, but be careful.
"I don't want any sparklers this year," declared ten-year-old Puneeth. "Sparklers are for girls and kids. I want only bombs!" The boy was echoing the general perception that sparklers are safe and tame. In a sense it is true, because sparklers do not explode, do not make a loud noise and burn out gradually. They can be held in your hand and one can enjoy the display longer than most other fireworks. But did you know that about 10 per cent of all the fireworks related injuries have been traced to sparklers? So before you get set to pick up the box, make sure you are aware of all the safety precautions.
Some tips
Sparklers burn at more than 1000 F at the tip. So, hold the sparklers away, at arm's length. Do not wear loose or nylon clothing or full sleeved blouses while lighting a sparkler.
For the same reason, don't run or jump with sparklers in hand. Never point at or wave the sparklers in front of others. Sword fighting and javelin throws with burning sparklers are dangerous.
Plunge burnt sparklers, hot-end down, into a bucket of water. Never throw them down because the wire stays hot for a long time .
Sparklers like all fireworks are made of harmful chemicals. The ash along with powders of metals falls off when the sparklers burn. So do not use sparklers as decorative candles.
The sparks from the sparkler are produced by burning flecks of a metal such as magnesium or aluminium. This could get lodged in the eye. Do not rub, but remove the irritant by washing.
Lighting any firework indoors is hazardous and the rule applies for sparklers too.
Children below five years should not be allowed to light or hold sparkers without supervision.
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