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Firework Safety
A Celebration without Fireworks
Every year, many Americans celebrate Independence Day with food, get-togethers and sometimes, fireworks. But no matter what kind of fireworks are used, they are extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. Eye Injury Registry, bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators themselves.
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 6,500 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country due to accidents caused by fireworks during the 4th of July weekend, accord- ing to the latest data from 2005.
- There were 10,800 firework-related injuries for the entire year, an increase of 1,400 injuries from 2004.
- 45 percent of all fireworks injuries are to those aged 15 and younger.
- Most injuries are to the hands and fingers, but 1,600 were eye injuries, including contusions and lacera- tions, debris in the eye and burns. Some injuries result in permanent vision loss.
Which fireworks are “safe”? NONE
- Even sparklers can burn up to 1,800
degrees Fahrenheit
- In 2005, there were 500 children under the
age of 5 that were hurt by sparklers.
- Sparklers accounted for half of all fireworks injuries to children in that age group.
Prevent Blindness America (PBA) the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, urges everyone to leave fireworks to professionals. PBA offers tips to prevent fireworks-related injuries:
- Do not purchase, use or store fireworks.
- Be aware that even sparklers are dangerous and cause one half of
fireworks injuries in children 5 and younger.
- Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators.
- Support legislation that bans the importation, general sale and indiscriminate
usage of fireworks by children and adults.
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