As the Spring Festival approaches, the discussion on “should fireworks be banned or released” has attracted a lot of attention. At the same time, a rumor about “disinfection by setting off fireworks and firecrackers” came back and began to circulate on the Internet, causing heated discussions. According to the news on the Internet, there is sulfur in the firecrackers, and when they are set off, they are sprayed out to disinfect them. So, can setting off fireworks and firecrackers really kill the virus?
Can setting off fireworks and firecrackers be disinfected?
”There are many disinfectants on the market that can kill viruses and have no obvious harm to the human body. But by setting off fireworks and firecrackers to kill viruses, it will bring more harm, and the gain outweighs the gain.” According to experts, there are two main components of firecrackers. One is Black gunpowder (charcoal, sulfur and nitrate), one is silver powder gunpowder, that is, aluminum powder is used instead of charcoal in black powder, and metal salts that can produce flame reactions are added to fireworks.
Fireworks and firecrackers will produce a large amount of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and (or) metal oxides when they are set off. The sulfur dioxide will react with water vapor to form acidic sulfurous acid, which can be further oxidized to sulfuric acid; nitrogen oxides can also react with water vapor This produces nitrous or nitric acid, which are very corrosive acidic compounds.
From this point of view, setting off fireworks and firecrackers can indeed disinfect. In fact, there have been reports in history that inhaling sulfur dioxide can inhibit virus reproduction. However, there is still a lack of corresponding research on the antivirus effect of sulfur dioxide in aerosols. “Under what conditions and how high the concentration can effectively eliminate the virus is unclear.”
What are the hazards of sulfur dioxide produced when setting off fireworks?
Experts said that it is certain that the human body will be significantly damaged in an environment containing high concentrations of sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide and the sulfurous acid and sulfuric acid produced by it are highly corrosive, especially to mucous membranes such as eyes and respiratory tract, etc. High concentrations of sulfur dioxide can even cause pulmonary edema.
The knowledge about sulfur dioxide is actually introduced in high school chemistry textbooks. For example, sulfur is mentioned in Chapter 3 of “High School Chemistry Volume One” published by Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House. Sulfur dioxide is a bleaching agent that is allowed to be used in my country. In some foods, the maximum usage is required to be 0.25g/kg, and the residual amount shall not exceed 0.05g/kg. Reasonable use of sulfur dioxide in accordance with standards will not cause harm to human health, but excessive exposure to sulfur dioxide may cause human respiratory diseases and multiple tissue damage.
In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide concentration above 0.5 ppm (ppm: one part per million) is a potential hazard to human health. Moreover, acidic substances such as sulfur dioxide are discharged into the air and combine with water vapor in the air to form rainfall called acid rain. Acid rain can acidify surface water, affect the survival of crops, and lead to forest soil degradation. Moreover, acid rain will also infiltrate into groundwater, which will affect your health after drinking.
What safety hazards should be paid attention to when setting off fireworks?
With the sound of firecrackers, the year is gone, and the spring breeze brings warmth into Tusu. Setting off fireworks during the Spring Festival is a traditional custom that has been passed down for a long time in our country. As the end of the year approaches, netizens in many places call for the relaxation of the “no-burning order” for fireworks and firecrackers. Time, place, etc. So, do you support the loosening of the “burning ban” or the “ban on burning”?
Fireworks are beautiful, but don’t forget about safety. The editor reminds everyone that if fireworks and firecrackers are set off during the Spring Festival, it is recommended to pay attention to the following safety hazards:
According to local policies, go to a specific area according to regulations and set off at a specific time.
Fireworks and firecrackers should be kept away from flammable and combustible materials, and choose open areas. Do not set off on balconies, indoors, warehouses, etc., do not set off at people and residential buildings, and keep a safe distance. After setting off, pay attention to whether the flame is extinguished, and carefully clean up the fire hazard.
When children set off fireworks, it is recommended that adults accompany them to avoid safety accidents. In addition, try to choose fireworks with less lethality for children.
After igniting fireworks and firecrackers, if there is no explosion, do not rush to check before confirming that there is no safety problem, so as not to be injured.
Go to regular supermarkets and other channels to buy quality fireworks and firecrackers, and do not buy illegally produced low-quality fireworks and firecrackers for a small price. Fireworks and firecrackers should be stored away from fire sources and high-temperature production facilities, etc., and vibration and friction should be avoided during shipment.
