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Fireworks causing an explosion?

By On Deck Staff

By NICOLE FORTUNA
NJ to Pa.: “No more sharing!”
I can’t imagine what it would be like not to hear my neighbors’ fireworks on the Fourth of July.
In fact, for the past 19 years of my life, I have seen Philadelphia residents gather as many fireworks as possible—despite the illegality of some—to celebrate our nation’s freedom.
But that’s Pennsylvania.
In New Jersey, consumers’ use of fireworks is indeed a no-go, and in recent times, Pennsylvania’s liberties—which include the use of sparklers and toy cannons, according to the American Pyrotechnic Association—have seemed to somewhat threaten New Jersey’s prohibition.
New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein of the 213th Legislature as of Feb. 26 presented a resolution urging Pennsylvania to repeal its law permitting the sale of fireworks to people from out of state.
This resolution, however, is pending, so no final decisions have been made. Nonetheless, it has allowed me to consider: Why are fireworks causing such an explosion?
Fireworks are used for celebrations, just for fun, and even to sell to other businesses. In Pennsylvania, a permit to use consumer fireworks is not required. But not requiring a permit doesn’t mean not requiring good judgment.
As a firefighter’s daughter, I know for a fact that fire isn’t a game. Fireworks themselves are not detrimental when used properly. And according to The National Council on Fireworks Safety, in 2006 there was an all-time record low for injuries since the 1970s. Injuries have been essentially cut in half since 1997.
More significantly, William Weiiner, vice president of B.J. Alan/Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio (right on the Pennsylvania border) stated that 45 states allow the use of consumer fireworks, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island, along with New Jersey, don’t.
Weiiner asked, “Why is New Jersey so behind the curve?” The answer to that is more complicated that you would expect.
Fireworks are primarily manufactured in China, but according to Weiiner, they have to endure a multitude of tests in accordance with U.S. Performance standards. If there is too much pyrotechnic substance in one item, it is not shipped to the United States.
The process of manufacturing and transporting, then, has become safer and more efficient. Why is New Jersey maintaining this stance despite the empirical data?
According to Lt. Lynn Frane of the New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crime Division, the illegal use of consumer fireworks in New Jersey is actually “sporadic,” and that people, given the tourist population, do not realize it’s illegal at all. It could result in up to a year in jail, depending on the severity of the circumstances and the individual’s history.
So what does this all mean? Do numbers lie? Not usually. Can instances of mild use indicate that New Jersey residents/visitors are capable enough to use consumer fireworks legally?
I believe so. However, when people are having fun, they’re not always careful. It’s often not the product that harms, but the mind behind it. Like any machine that has the capacity to kill, or any job that has the potential to cause fatalities, training and education must be involved.
The American Pyrotechnic Association urges fireworks users to comply with their state laws. We also have to use good judgment.
So, what’s the deal? Can you light the match in New Jersey?
Not right now.
Although the numbers show that the rate of injuries involving fireworks is decreasing, it may take a little more convincing, but I think New Jersey is well on its way.
The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and ironically, it is the day we secured freedom to live as we wish. But, with freedom, comes responsibility.

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