The Dangers of Fireworks

With the celebration of Independence Day, fireworks have become a regular part of summer celebrations. While fireworks add to the festivities, they can also be dangerous. A firecracker explosion lasts for a fraction of a second, but in that instant, a person’s life can change forever. ALL fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. 

The Dangers of Fireworks

In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 40% of these injuries were to children under the age of 15.

Of the above-mentioned ER injuries, 83% involved legal fireworks - meaning fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use. Sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 43% of these injuries.

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-14, more than twice the risk for the general population..

What types of fireworks are associated with most injuries?

In 2010, an estimated:

• 900 injuries were associated with firecrackers - 30% of these involved small firecrackers
• 1,200 injuries were associated with sparklers
• 400 injuries were associated with bottle rockets

How can I prevent fireworks-related injuries?

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Read and follow all warnings and instructions on fireworks packaging.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house. Do not light fireworks near dry leaves or other flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that failed on the first try.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of sparks or fire.
• Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

Sparklers are not harmless–The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. Children cannot understand the danger involved with fireworks and may not act appropriately while using sparklers or other types of fireworks. The best way for parents to keep their children safe from fireworks is to never let children handle sparklers or fireworks of any kind.

Fireworks can also ignite fires to homes and automobiles, especially during particularly dry weather. In 2010, an estimated 15,500 fires were started by fireworks, resulting in 8 deaths and 60 injuries and costing $36 million in direct property damage.

The safest way to prevent firework-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. Attend a public sponsored fireworks event rather than taking a chance with fireworks at home.

Take the Fireworks Safety Quiz!

For more information on Fireworks safety, visit www.chesco.org/health.

Statistics courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration