Fireworks are a Dangerous Part of Fourth of July Festivities

Last year, approximately 6,400 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The American Society of Ocular Trauma states that an average of 400 Americans permanently lose vision in one or both eyes due to fireworks injuries annually. The long-term effects of these injuries can be severe.

Nine out of ten injuries requiring emergency treatment were from fireworks approved by Federal regulations. Children ages 15 and younger account for 36% of all fireworks injuries. A third of the total injuries to children under the age of five were from sparklers, which can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Fire Protection Association found that fireworks referred to as "safe and sane" cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children. The CPSC also found that more than 100 people were injured from fireworks while attending public displays. Because all fireworks are unpredictable, even those used by licensed professionals can take unexpected flight paths or result in falling debris from the explosions. Adults and children attending authorized displays must use caution.