Children holding pinwheels celebrate the beginning of spring. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Setting off firecrackers is one of the most popular traditions of the Spring Festival celebrations. However, the air pollution caused by it poses a serious problem.

In recent years, many Chinese cities have been suffering from smog and this has aroused great concern among the public.

With growing public awareness about air pollution, reducing or eliminating it by setting off fewer fireworks, or even prohibition of the practice, is not just a slogan.