How fireworks can affect your unborn baby

POLOKWANE – According to the World Health Organisation, adults should not be exposed to more than 140 decibels of peak sound pressure, while the recommendation for children is 120 decibels.

They further explained that if one is dealing with a firework that explodes at 170 decibels, they would have to stand 15 to 20 meters away before they are at a safe limit.

“Children would have to stand 50 to 60 meters away from that same firework and infants should not be exposed to fireworks because they generally experience the greatest amount of sound pressure.”

As it is New Years Eve, fireworks are likely to be lit and one aspect not focused on is how they can affect pregnant women.

Research states that the sound of fireworks can travel through your body and easily reach your baby. Loud noises may damage your baby’s hearing and it is important to note that ear plugs do not protect your baby’s hearing.

The only way to protect your baby’s hearing is to stay away from loud noise completely

Increased noise levels can cause stress in pregnant woman which can cause changes in a the body that can affect your developing baby.

The Polokwane Municipality urges residents to celebrate the new year wisely and consider the safety of other residents.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala gives in detail the dos and don’ts of fireworks in relation to the municipal by-laws:

Do:
Residents must make sure to adhere to the provisions of SANS 0228, 0229, 0232, of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, and the Hazardous Substances Act, 1973, and any regulations made under these acts, as the case may be.

They must also ensure the owner/occupant of the premises where fireworks are handled, used, stored or who causes fireworks to be transported complies with Section 20 of the Fire Emergency Services By-Law of the Polokwane Local Municipality Notice No 3011 Section 86.

This certificate is valid for a period of not exceeding one calendar year from the date of issuing thereof.

1. Ensure that your firework display is approved by the chief fire officer, subject to the requirements of public safety and fire safety as dictated

• Any person who wishes to conduct a firework display shall lodge an application in this regard with the fire service.
• With collection of the approval for the display, the applicant must be accompanied by the proof of payment of fees prescribed in Annexure I to this by-law; and
• The application must be submitted for processing to the offices of the fire service at least 14 working days prior to the planned display.
• The application must be accompanied by the application for display lodged with the chief inspector of explosives from the SAPS; and
• A letter of consent from the owners or person responsible for the property on which the fireworks display is proposed to be presented; and
• A sketch plan of the proposed venue for the fireworks display, including the demarcated area for the launching of the fireworks, taking into account that fireworks are strictly prohibited: Within a 500 metres radius of any explosives factory; inside any building; on any agricultural holding; at or near any public open place; at or near any school, old age home or hospital and at or near any place where animals are present.

2. Submit proof of the appointment of a pyro-technician to conduct the firework display further confirming that such pyro-technician shall at all times be present at the display and be responsible for the use of fireworks at the display.

Don’t:

• Deal in fireworks unless you hold the required fireworks license in terms of the Explosives Act, acquired that license through the chief inspector of explosives at the SAPS, and have the written authority of the chief fire officer in compliance to all safety and fire requirements.
• Unless authorised in terms of Section 38(4), do not light or ignite fireworks on any day or at any time in any place within the municipal area or boundaries, except; New Year’s Eve from 23:00 to 01:00; New Year’s Day from 19:00 to 22:00; Hindu New Year from 19:00 to 22:00; Lag b’omer from 19:00 to 22:00; Chinese New Year from 19:00 to 22:00; Human Rights Day from 19:00 to 22:00; Freedom Day from 19:00 to 22:00 and Guy Fawkes Day from 19:00 to 22:00.
• Light or ignite fireworks in display at any place where animals are present.