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Why do fireworks have different colors? Kuya Kim explains


It’s a joy to see fireworks of different colors during the New Year, but where do these colors come from?

According to Kuya Kim’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, these are from mineral elements mixed with powder when the product is made. Each color corresponds to a certain element, said chemist Janir Datukan.

“‘Pag gusto natin ng pulang firework, gumagamit tayo ng strontium metal. Kung gusto natin ng orange firework, gumagamit ng calcium. ‘Pag yellow, sodium; ‘pag green, barium; ‘pag blue, copper," he said.

“It’s compartmentalized,” Datukan added. “Bawat isang compartment ng firework na ‘yon ay may sarili niyang metal kaya nagpo-produce siya ng particular color.”

Fireworks were first used to ward off bad spirits in Liuyang, China, during the 2nd century B.C., according to historians. It became popular in Europe between the 13th and 15th centuries.

To ensure a safe celebration of the New Year, safety officer Joebert Tolentino said everyone should properly follow guidelines.

“Kung mag-store tayo, store it in a dry, cool place,” he said. “‘Pag gagamitin natin, gamit tayo ng lighting stick, hindi yung hawak natin.”

“We encourage public fireworks areas. Do’n tayo magpaputok sa kung saan pinapayagan ng LGUs (local government units).” —Franchesca Viernes/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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