Fireworks Money to Relief Efforts

The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities has called on municipalities to forgo fireworks displays and to donate the money that would have been spent on them to relief efforts.

Pori, Oulu, Turku and other towns have cancelled fireworks shows due to the gravity of the situation in South Asia.

Officials Warn of Eye Damage Some two million fireworks are sold annually. About 1,000 firework products have been approved for sale by the consumer safety watchdog. Selling or giving fireworks to anyone under 18 is forbidden by law. However, the age limit is 12 for some smaller firecrackers. Fireworks may only be used outside and in places with no obstructions nearby. For example, setting off fireworks from balconies is prohibited. The number of people who have received eye injuries from fireworks has increased year by year. Safety officials recommend that people lighting fireworks and bystanders nearby wear goggles. YLE24, Finnish News Agency