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Going beyond the usual warning that kids shouldn't play with fireworks, this year six prominent health and fire safety advocates, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and National Fire Protection Association, are calling for a ban on consumer fireworks.
Last year, about 8,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks, with over half the injuries being burns to the hands, eyes, and head.
In addition to burns and permanent blindness, about 12 people died from fires associated with fireworks in 1999 (the last year that statistics were reported). Also, there were nearly 24,200 fires associated with fireworks use that year.
Although most people think that most of the risk is to younger children, the highest injury rates are usually among teens.
As the 4th of July approaches, remember that there are no safe fireworks and no absolutely safe way for kids and teens to handle fireworks.
Instead of letting your kids play with fireworks, make plans to attend a public fireworks display, conducted by trained professionals, and watch the fireworks at a safe distance.
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commision:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.
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Products for Summer Fun and Safety
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