The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured.
All fireworks are classified as hazardous under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and can cause injury.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2002 about 8,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks.
Over half the injuries were burns and most involved the hands, eyes, and head. The study noted that a majority of the injuries involved misuse rather than malfunction. Believe it or not – bystanders are injured more often than the people who fire them off.
About half of the victims were under 15-years of age.
Be safe and remember:
- Read and follow label directions
- Have an adult present
- Buy from reliable sellers
- Use outdoors only
- Have water handy
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- Never experiment or make your own fireworks
- Light only one firework at a time
- Never re-light a "dud" firework
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
- Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water first
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
- The shooter should always wear eye protection
- Stay away from illegal explosives
- Leave the lighting of all fireworks to the trained operator when you attend a public display
Examples of injuries from
legal/illegal fireworks:
- Head injuries
- Second and third degree burns (needing skin grafts)
- Lacerations (exposing muscle) from even sparklers
- Debris lodged in skin (needing plastic surgery)
- Eye injuries (the second most common body part to injure) to name a few.
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When experiencing an eye injury:
DO NOT: Rub, rinse, apply pressure or ointment, or stop for medicine.
DO: Go to the Emergency Room at once!
Fireworks statistics on eye injuries show:
- Sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles each contribute to 17% of eye injuries.
- Almost half (49%) of the injuries were to children under age 15.
- Sparklers can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold.
I encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday season safely and responsibly. For more information on the use of consumer fireworks, state laws and regulations please visit www.fireworkssafety.com.
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