Table 1 Definition of different types of fireworks
Type of fireworks | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Explosive fireworks | Fireworks primarily designed to explode and generate a large amount of noise (a bang). It hardly generates a visual effect. Often called firecrackers. | M-80’s, black cats, canon crackers, cobra’s |
Decorative fireworks | Fireworks primarily designed to generate a visual effect, such as colorful flames. | |
Rockets | A tube-like device, usually attached to a wooden stick, designed to propel itself into the air. | Bottle rockets, sky rockets, missiles |
Aerials | A device designed to shoot flaming balls into the air. | Cakes, mortars, |
Others | Small fireworks, mostly designed to be held in the hand or to be used on the ground. Only generates a flame and does not explode. | Sparkles, spinners, fountains |
Carbide | Calcium carbide is a chemical compound that forms a highly flammable gas in reaction with water. When ignited it will explode. It is a tradition to use carbide to shoot objects from old milk cans. | |
Homemade | Fireworks that were homemade or existing fireworks that was in any way altered. This type of fireworks was considered as illegal. | Pipe bombs |