Spotlight on Injuries from Fireworks

All fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. In 2000, 11,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. Children 14 years and younger sustained about 50% of injuries related to fireworks, and boys were hurt twice as often as girls. Typically, three quarters of injuries from fireworks in the United States occur in the days surrounding the July 4th holiday.

Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, face, and eyes. A few injuries are serious enough to require amputation. In 2000, 10 people died from injuries due to fireworks.

Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the federal government banned the sale of the largest and most dangerous fireworks to consumers. Some states have banned the general public’s use of fireworks altogether. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. National Fire Protection Association, and CDC strongly recommend that fireworks be used only by professionals.

Check out:
Fireworks Safety from the Consumer Product
Safety Commission

QUICK FACTS

June is Fireworks Safety Month (through July 4) For information and materials, visit or contact: Prevent Blindness America 211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700, Chicago IL 60606 1-800-331-2020 ~ info@preventblindness.org

Source: Greene MA, Race PM. 2000 Fireworks Annual Report: Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2000. Washington (DC): U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; 2001 [cited 1 May 2002]. Available at URL: http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/2000fwreport.pdf.