Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July. While the holiday is a day to celebrate patriotism and independence, pyrotechnics and viewers wait in excitement for dark to fall for the real show to begin. Historians believe that fireworks were originally created in the second century B.C. in China. Ancient Chinese people believed that firecrackers would ward off evil spirits. From there, fireworks became airborne and Europeans in the 13th century began using them at public celebrations and festivals.
Early U.S settlers brought their love of fireworks with them to the colonies. Fireworks were a part of the very first Independence Day celebration, a tradition that is continued today. Over the years, different types of fireworks have been brought to the market, curating a unique experience for all who enjoy.
In the 1930’s, people began experimenting with human fireworks – quite literally strapping explosives to individuals and igniting them to explode into colors and sound as spectators enjoyed. In order to keep the human-being part of the firework from catching ablaze, individuals were sewn into suits made out of asbestos fibers – designed to keep the person wearing it cool and flame free. While asbestos suits kept the individuals from catching fire due to the heat resistant properties it possessed, it also could have led to further health problems down the line. Individuals exposed to asbestos may not have symptoms of asbestos-related diseases for several decades.
Aside from human fireworks, some firework packaging contained asbestos materials to prevent harmful explosions during the processing of the final products. The inclusion of asbestos in the fireworks industry exposed countless Fireworks workers throughout the 1930s-1980s. While fireworks may seem like an uncommon item to contain asbestos, it’s a good reminder that asbestos was hiding in a multitude of products throughout most of the 20th century. If you believe that you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos, contact Serling & Abramson, P.C. today or fill out our free case evaluation.
Have a safe, healthy, and` wonderful Fourth of July!
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