FIREPLAY – TOXIC GASES IN FIREWORKS From early 70s it has become a tradition among people to light fireworks to celebrate cultural and religious festivals or other ceremonies. Most of us are aware that fireworks are dangerous and lots of people end up at hospitals due to fireworks during festive seasons. Yet, the people who engage in lighting them or the observers have never stopped to think about the environmental damage and health impacts caused by fireworks. Factories and vehicles release toxic gases when they run too. But we can’t stop them because they are directly involved with economy. At least can’t we stop lighting fireworks to protect the environment to some extent? TOXIC ELEMENTS IN FIREWORKS In addition to carbon and sulfur all fireworks contain substances such as arsenic, manganese, sodium oxalate, aluminum, iron dust, potassium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, barium nitrate, oxidizers and added colors. Burning of fireworks releases a large number of toxic gases such as