Pyrotechnics is the science of using materials capable of undergoing self-contained and self-sustained
exothermic chemical reactions for the production of heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound. Its
etymology stems from the Greek words
pyro ("fire") and
tekhnikos ("made by art"). Pyrotechnics include not only the manufacture of
fireworks but items such as
safety matches, oxygen candles,
explosive bolts and fasteners, components of the automotive
airbag and gas pressure blasting in mining, quarrying and demolition.
