Main opposition presents bill to ban fireworks following northwest Turkey explosion

Duvar English

A main opposition deputy presented a bill to ban fireworks in the aftermath of a devastating accident in the northwestern province of Sakarya that killed seven people and injured over a hundred, daily Evrensel reported on July 5.

A blast in a fireworks factory in the Hendek district of Sakarya killed seven people on July 3, injured more than a hundred and damaged nearby residences, as well as businesses.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy from southern Adana, Ayhan Barut is also a member of the parliamentary Agriculture, Forestry and Villageworks Commission and noted that fireworks jeopardize human and animal safety, as well as the environment.

"The purpose of this bill is to ban the use of fireworks which pose countless threats to nature and all life, and to fine those who use them," Barut said.

The lawmaker said that the chemicals released by fireworks remain in the atmosphere after the blast, are inhaled by living creatures, and are absorbed by plants, which animals and humans then consume.

"The lead, barium, rubidium and sodium they contain are fatal to humans, animals and all life alike."

The lawmaker also referred to a 2011 Netherlands research that revealed fireworks scare birds away from their homes, sometimes causing parent birds to leave behind dependent babies.

"It was also reported in 2011 that new year celebrations in Arkansas killed 5,000 birds. In light of all their effects, fireworks are now being banned or the toxins are being replaced with cleaner substances."

The deputy said that Turkey was well behind on legal regulations around the topic and urged courts to bring those responsible for the July 3 blast to justice.