What have fireworks meant for health?
I have written previously how Bonfire Night (November 5th) is my favourite time of year; I just love fireworks [1]. I have come to the conclusion that a fascination with pyrotechnics ignited my lifetime interest in science. A child of the 60’s, my fascination with fireworks was boosted by the race into space between the old USSSR and the USA. While the primary reason for the festivities lies in history and politics, like my own journey through life, I believe that there’s an intriguing connection between Bonfire Night’s pyrotechnics and modern medicine. Our understanding of the chemistry behind fireworks and explosives has progressed in lock-step with developments across the scientific disciplines.
Fireworks originated in China around the 9th century, where they were first used as a combination of ritual and entertainment. Over time, the science of pyrotechnics spread through trade routes to the Middle East and Europe. Alchemists of the time (some early chemists but many charlatans), were intrigued by the substances used to make gunpowder—namely saltpetre (potassium nitrate), sulphur and charcoal.
Those well versed in the serendipitous nature of science will appreciate that discoveries concurrent to our search for bigger bangs resulted in added insights. Experimentation with the components of the traditional firework contributed to the development of analytical methods that chemists later refined to determined precise measurements and formulations. The work of (successful) alchemists with led to improved handling techniques and greater understanding of reactions, which ultimately paved the way for laboratory practices in biochemistry and pharmacology. I say successful because the unsuccessful were less likely to survive to write up their notes.
The impact of fireworks chemistry on pharmacology
Creating vibrant fireworks displays requires the careful manipulation of metal salts that create the cornucopia of colours: copper compounds produce blue, strontium red, and sodium yellow. These same metal compounds have uses in medical treatments. For instance, compounds containing copper are essential in biological systems for enzyme function and wound healing. Similarly, strontium compounds are utilized in bone health treatments, as strontium strengthens bone density in patients with osteoporosis.
Care in the manipulation of firework composition aided in our understanding of how chemicals behave in the human body. For example, the concept of binding energy, a property that firework manufacturers manipulate to control burn rate (an understanding that dates back thousands of years), might be said to mirror how pharmacologists consider receptor binding affinity that evolved out of the work by Paul Ehrlich in his search for a ‘magic bullet’ circa 1907 [2]. The careful adjustments to produce a controlled burn in fireworks also have close links to the development of controlled-release medications in the form of Smith Klein Beecham’s first sustained release formulation in 1957. Their Spansule technology made up of small beads and pellets (often employed in fireworks), allowed control of the drug release kinetics at a predetermined rate [3].
Those old enough to remember James Burke’s series Connections (aired on the BBC in 1978, it’s a must watch) will appreciate that progress in science, technology and culture is neither linear nor isolated [4]. Instead, innovations generally emerge from a complex web of interconnected events, discoveries and social changes. In the 10-programme series, Burke illustrates how seemingly unrelated advancements in history influence one another, leading to breakthroughs that shape the modern world in unexpected ways. His exploration challenges the conventional idea that technological progress is straightforward, showing instead that it is unpredictable, shaped by chance encounters, and often sparked by social needs, political changes or even accidents.
Explosive knowledge and surgery
Burke argues that understanding of the how society has developed through a network of connections helps us grasp the interdependent nature of human progress [4]. He suggests that history is less about isolated geniuses or singular events and more about the cumulative impact of small, interconnected discoveries that ripple through time. This perspective encourages a more holistic view of knowledge, where fields such as science, philosophy, art, and politics are deeply intertwined.
Thus, it is possible see how the fireworks industry has provided insights that have advanced surgical techniques (putting the horrific consequences of war aside). The high pressures and sudden reactions that create explosions, which have been adapted to surgical practices. For example, electrocautery tools use electrically generated heat to cut or coagulate tissues with precision. This technique relates to the scientific understanding of controlled combustion, which was refined by chemists studying explosives and fireworks. An old aphorism describing the power of cautery proclaimed, ‘‘Those diseases which medicine does not cure, iron cures; those which iron cannot cure, fire cures; those which fire cannot cure, are to be reckoned incurable’’ [5]. This a bold statement speaks to the importance and use of cauterization even during ancient times. Although the popularity of the cautery as a surgical instrument fluctuated over the centuries, the evolution of electrosurgery established an unwavering role for cautery in the field of surgery [5]. To date, surgeons use electrocautery to control bleeding and reduce infection risks, improving patient outcomes in procedures ranging from cosmetic surgery to cancer excisions.
Similarly, laser surgery owes part of its development to the study of light and combustion principles rooted in pyrotechnics. The explosions that occur, as well as their unique and vibrant colours, are driven by quantum transitions that occur all the way down at the level of atoms and helped scientists understand how light energy can be harnessed and focused, contributing to the field of laser technology. Today, laser surgery is used in procedures like eye surgery (LASIK) and tumour ablation, enabling minimally invasive treatments with precision that reduces recovery time and enhances healing.
Toxicology and safety standards
With firework displays come risks, and the development of pyrotechnics has influenced our understanding of toxicology, especially concerning respiratory and skin health. Fireworks produce particulate matter, which includes fine metal oxides, gases like sulphur dioxide, and nitrates, posing potential health hazards when inhaled. Studying the effects of these substances on the human body has advanced knowledge in toxicology and led to modern safety protocols. The presence of these particles prompted regulatory measures that now protect both pyrotechnicians and the general public.
The dangers associated with handling explosive materials led to breakthroughs in chemical safety, influencing the protocols now standard in medical laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Medical research facilities adopted these safety standards to manage potentially hazardous substances, ensuring safer environments for lab technicians and researchers. The stringent standards for handling and disposing of explosive materials are echoed in the handling of volatile drugs, chemicals, and samples in clinical and research settings, directly influencing occupational health in modern medicine.
Bioluminescence and imaging techniques
The bright colours produced by fireworks through chemical reactions and oxidation processes have influenced biomedical imaging. Fluorescent dyes, used in various imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, operate on principles similar to those of fireworks—using energy to produce light. These dyes help scientists visualize cells and tissues with remarkable clarity, improving diagnostic precision in fields such as oncology and microbiology.
A prime example of this influence is in the field of bioluminescence imaging. Researchers studying the light-emitting properties of chemicals used in fireworks discovered how certain reactions can produce visual signals. Fluorescence was first discovered in 1845 by Fredrick W. Herschel. He discovered that UV light can excite a quinine solution (e.g., tonic water) to emit blue light. British scientist Sir George G. Stokes further studied this discovery, and he observed that fluorescence emission from an object represents a longer wavelength than the UV light that originally excited the object [6].
This knowledge has enabled scientists to create bioluminescent markers, which are used to tag cells in living organisms for research or diagnostic purposes. For example, bioluminescence is now employed to track cancer cells, allowing researchers to observe tumour progression in real-time without invasive procedures.
The psychological impact of fireworks and pain management
Beyond the impact of pyrotechnics on the career choices of a wayward schoolboy, there is also a psychological component to fireworks that has a curious connection to pain management in medicine. The explosive sounds and bright lights trigger adrenaline and endorphin release, evoking excitement and pleasure for many (not just me). This effect led researchers to examine how sensory stimulation can influence the brain’s perception of pain. Studies into sensory stimulation and its effects on pain perception have informed techniques like distraction therapy, which is used to help patients manage pain during procedures. This therapy draws on the principle that engaging the senses—whether through visual or auditory stimuli—can provide relief from discomfort.
Furthermore, the anticipation of fireworks and the subsequent display of colours and sounds create a shared social experience that can lift mood and reduce stress, both of which positively impact immune function and pain tolerance. Similarly, medical practitioners understand that creating a positive environment for patients, with visual or auditory comfort measures, can improve treatment outcomes by lowering stress levels and promoting healing.
Conclusion
Bonfire Night’s fireworks displays have a deep, if indirect, connection to the development of modern medicine. From the early days of alchemists mixing compounds to create explosive spectacles, fireworks and pyrotechnics have influenced the course of scientific discovery, particularly in chemistry and pharmacology. The understanding of chemical reactions, safety protocols, and sensory effects has translated into medical advances in surgery, drug formulation, diagnostic imaging, and patient care practices.
While Bonfire Night might seem worlds apart from a modern hospital or laboratory, the scientific principles that create a beautiful display of fireworks have echoed through time to support innovations that improve health and save lives. The festive lights and sounds not only celebrate historical events but also symbolize the transformative power of science, bridging the gap between the excitement of pyrotechnics and the precision of modern medicine. This connection serves as a reminder of how seemingly unrelated fields can intertwine, sparking advancements that benefit society in surprising ways.
In Connections, Burke also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and awareness in facing future technological shifts. By examining how past societies adapted to changes, he highlights the potential for unintended consequences in modern technological development. His message implies that to navigate the future responsibly, we should cultivate flexibility, a broad perspective, and a curiosity for how various aspects of human knowledge and society intertwine. This makes Connections not just a historical exploration but also a guide for understanding and shaping the trajectory of the future.
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