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ALFREDO AZCARATE VARELA
THE BAJA POST/EDITOR
A well-known firework sales business from Mexicali, was shut down due to the hazard these artifacts pose to children as well as grown-ups, and the potential harm they cause to the environment, according to a press release issued by the Baja California Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (SMADS).
After an inspection of the establishment, personnel from the Prosecutor’s Office placed closure seals due to noncompliance with the State Environmental Protection Law and applicable provisions
SMADS Secretary, Mónica Vega, explained that, fireworks have a negative impact on people’s health and harm the environment, explosions and intense noise can cause injuries, burns, hearing damage, and respiratory problems, especially among children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.
Fireworks also disrupt public tranquility, generate environmental pollution, and pose risks to domestic and wild animals, as well as to public safety by increasing the likelihood of accidents or fires.
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Law for the State of Baja California, SMADS has the authority to adopt measures such as shutting down fireworks points of sale to prevent and control environmental pollution.
Mexicali has the obligation and authority to protect the environment and preserve public peace, including prohibition of sale and detonation of fireworks in public spaces the shutdown operation was the result of coordinated action between Baja California State and Mexicali Municipality for environmental protection and public health.
SMADS invites people to refrain from purchasing or detonating fireworks not only for Christmas and New Year´s but at any time and reaffirms its commitment to ongoing oversight and enforcement of regulations to protect the health and environment of all Baja Californians.
