Fireworks -- Are They Worth the Risk?

Did you know that each year an average of 400 Americans permanently lose vision in one or both of their eyes due to fireworks injuries? Last year, approximately 6,400 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday celebrating in the Emergency Unit as their injuries were being treated. Over a third of these injuries are to children under the age of fifteen.

Fireworks are often associated with the celebration of Independence Day. Something about the sparks, the red, white and blue shine, and the pop of the bottle rocket invokes a feeling a patriotic pride in many people. Yet many communities outlaw the sale and use of all fireworks and sparklers except those used in authorized public displays by competent, licensed operators.

Some people have an attitude that ‘fireworks aren’t dangerous’ or ‘I only let my child use sparklers.’ Did you know that sparklers can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold? A third of the injuries to children under the age of five come from sparklers.

Injuries from fireworks are most likely to affect the hands, eyes, head, and face. Even being a bystander can be risky! Approximately 20% of the fireworks related injuries were not to fireworks users according to a study done by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.