20
Centuries since, according to legend, a Chinese cook mixed charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter in a hollow bamboo stick and accidentally invented FIREWORKS
7126
ARIEL SHELLS detonated during Fort Vancouver’s mammoth fireworks display last year
2900
Approximate number of PYROTECHNIC EFFECTS sold by Canby’s Western Display Fireworks, one of the Northwest’s leading suppliers
2000
Temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, of a LIT SPARKLER—i.e., hot enough to melt some metals
75
Grams of explosive black powder in a typical home-built pyrotechnic shell made BY A MEMBER OF THE OREGON FIREWORKS ASSOCIATION, a club for DIY fireworks enthusiasts
96
Fireworks stands operating on Washington’s CHEHALIS INDIAN RESERVATION in 2010
100%
MAKEUP OF GARMENTS—including underwear—worn by workers in fireworks factories, to prevent static electricity
Published: July 2011
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