More than a quarter of the total amount of waste collected around the Maltese islands every year results from waste collected in the aftermath of village festi, reported The Times of Malta. 48% of the 450 tonnes of waste is made up from bulk waste, while a further 37% of the waste is attributed to plastic. Paper and food left over amount to 10% of the waste while metal constitutes another 5% of the total amount of waste. These findings were published in a report commissioned by the Archdiocese's Environment Commission.
The Commission which also took a look at firework related accidents recommended that the criteria for granting a license for the production and firing of pyrotechnics be stricter and more objective. It is also suggested that licensees should be monitored regularly and that every fireworks factory should appoint a safety officer. In turn it recommended refresher courses for those who manufacture and let off fireworks.
The study drew links between religious feasts and their environmental impact on the Maltese landscape. Fireworks-related incidents were also analyzed, and it was discovered that 14 people died and 38 others sustained injuries between 1997 and 2006. 19% of those who lost their lives in firework-related accidents were 16 years old or younger. 18% of the accidents were in turn a result of possession or illegal manufacture of fireworks. Only 4% of all accidents occurred while fireworks were actually let off, while 56% of the accidents occurred at the fireworks factory during the preparatory work.
The study also took a look at noise levels generated by the letting off of fireworks. It was found that at times the noise made by certain Maltese fireworks such as cracker shells - also known as murtali tal-beraq - peaked at 130 decibels. Although there is no international standard on what is considered to be an acceptable noise level, most countries stipulate the noise should be no louder than 112 and 120 decibels, while experts insist the maximum noise level permitted should not exceed 115b decibels.
The report also revealed that 200 tonnes of chemicals are involved in the use of fireworks per year. According to The Times of Malta, chairperson Victor Axiak, along with the rest of the commission is calling for regulations that would set limits on the different kinds of shells that can be let off at particular hours, as well as the noise levels permissible.
Copies of the report can be obtained from the Pastoral Secretariat at the Curia, Floriana. More information may be obtained via telephone number 2590 6506 or via an e-mail to pastoral.secretariat@maltachurch.org.mt .
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