Children ‘play with fire’ as outlets sell firecrackers illegally

Dr Mohammed Attia, Deputy Director of Health sections, said that Ajman municipality inspectors fined and warned several small outlets and shops for selling fireworks illegally to children during Eid days, The sale of firecrackers in shops and groceries is strictly banned, as also is the importing of such crackers into the emirate.

Firecrackers are dangerous especially when used by children during festivals. It can cause serious injuries to them besides the risk of accidentally sparking a fire when the activity is indulged in, in residential areas. They also pollute the atmosphere and the noise is something most residents would like to do without.

“Fireworks can be an exciting part of a celebration, but no parent or child should have to learn about their dangers in such a painful way,” said Dr Attia.

He said that many parents and caregivers overestimate their children’s ability to handle fireworks, creating a dangerous environment. Fireworks-related injuries usually involve the hands/fingers, eyes or even the head and can sometimes result in amputations, blinding or even death.

He added that some shops and groceries violate the regulation and sell firecrackers to children to earn extra cash, even though they risk paying a hefty fine and a temporary closure of the outlet.

He believes that firecrackers are brought into the area in large quantities from outside and sold illegally in homes. He warned that anyone caught selling fireworks illegally would be punished and the fireworks confiscated and destroyed.

He pointed out that the municipality organised a campaign against fireworks to prevent selling them to children during this Eid. The experienced and qualified inspectors of the municipality are working hard to follow up in controlling the market and ensuring safe and peaceful Eid for the children and the public.