Prevent Blindness Educates Public on Dangers of the Use of Consumer Fireworks
The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and with that comes an increase in injuries related to fireworks. According to the latest report from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 5,600 fireworks-related injuries (or 62 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2018) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms around the Independence Day period, with 9,100 fireworks-related injuries throughout the entire year.
Massachusetts is the only state that bans all consumer fireworks, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. Illinois, Ohio and Vermont allow only wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelty items. Across the country, many ordinances vary within each state and between different municipalities.
Prevent Blindness urges all consumers to celebrate the holiday safely without using fireworks, especially children. In fact, the CPSC states that children 10 to 14 years of age accounted for the highest rate of ER-treated fireworks injuries in 2018.
Prevent Blindness also warns that those who attend professional displays must still be cautious, as accidents and injuries may also occur due to the erratic or unpredictable nature of fireworks.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends those who are attending or live near a professional fireworks show to:
- Respect safety barriers, follow all safety instructions and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away.
- Do not touch unexploded fireworks; instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments to help.
“Fireworks are part of the tradition of celebrating Independence Day for many Americans. Once again, we’re asking the public to celebrate in ways that won’t put them at risk for a trip to the emergency room,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Please leave the fireworks to the professionals and remain vigilant, even when attending public displays.”
For more information on the dangers of fireworks, please call Prevent Blindness at (800) 331-2020, or visit preventblindness.org/prevent-eye-injuries-fireworks.
Download a copy of the 2019 fireworks safety press release.