Fireworks safety: Sparklers were No. 1 cause of injuries in 2017
Each year, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and result in thousands of injuries.
Fireworks are an American tradition, especially when celebrating our nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. Yet, the thrill of fireworks can be dangerous, causing property damage from fires, serious burns, eye injuries, disfigurement and even death.
Did you know that sparklers, a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting colored flames and sparks, burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit? This is hot enough to melt some metals.
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Yet, children are often encouraged to handle this type of firework. Unfortunately, many parents don’t realize that young children can suffer injuries from sparklers.
“Fireworks can be extremely dangerous, even if they are legal,” according Michael Spencer, a pilot from Bowling Green, Kentucky, who lost several fingers on both hands when he was injured by a shell-and-mortar style fireworks device in 2015. “My advice would be to leave them to the professionals.”
Fireworks-related deaths & injuries during 2017
In 2017, there were an estimated 1,200 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Children under the age of 15 years old accounted for 36% of the estimated injuries.
According to CPSC’s “2017 Fireworks Annual Report:”
- 8 fireworks-related deaths were reported in 2017, with victims ranging in age from four to 57.
- There were an estimated 12,900 fireworks-related, emergency department-treated injuries in 2017.
- About 67% of the estimated annual fireworks-related, emergency department-treated injuries for 2017 occurred during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday, between June 16, 2017 and July 16, 2017.
- During the one month period between June 16, 2017 and July 16, 2017, sparklers were the number one cause of injuries, accounting for 14% of the estimated injuries.
(Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Misuse, malfunctions
Most firework injuries in 2017, were associated with misuse or malfunctions of fireworks. Misuse included:
- Holding fireworks in hand.
- Setting off fireworks improperly.
- Throwing lit fireworks at someone.
- Dismantling and manufacturing fireworks.
- Igniting fireworks too close to someone.
- Igniting used dud fireworks.
- Placing fireworks too close to a heat source.
Typical malfunctions included:
- Tip-over incidents.
- Debris.
- Errant flight paths.
- Blowouts (e.g. exploded in the tube).
- Back fire (e.g. sparks exiting from the rear of the device).
Firework sales
Firework use is reportedly on the rise. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), “consumer fireworks retailers are reporting brisk fireworks sales numbers as the busy selling season officially gets off to a start and we predict revenues could exceed $900 million for the 2018 fireworks season,” said Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the APA.
In 2017, American consumers spent approximately $885 million on fireworks for the Fourth of July, a $60 million increase over fireworks sales in 2016.
Observe local laws
Before using fireworks, make sure they are permitted in your state or local area. Many state and local governments prohibit or limit consumer fireworks, formerly known as “class C fireworks,” which are common fireworks, and firecrackers sold for consumer use. Consumer fireworks include:
- Shells and mortars.
- Multiple tube devices.
- Roman candles.
- Rockets.
- Sparklers.
- Firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder.
- Novelty items, such as snakes, airplanes, ground spinners, helicopters, fountains, and party poppers.
Have a safe and spectacular 4th of July!
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