Thousands of fireworks injuries occur every summer, safety agency says
A recent study conducted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that 65 percent of all fireworks injuries were reported in the month surrounding Independence Day, July 4th. Consumers should take special safety precautions around fireworks, especially sparklers, firecrackers, and aerial devices, the cause of the majority of fireworks related injuries according to the study. Many preventative measures can be taken to avoid injury, including: keeping children away from fireworks, not looking directly over fireworks while lighting them, and keeping water nearby to put out failed displays. More than half of all fireworks related injuries examined in this study were caused by failure to follow the provided directions or by unexpected ignition of the firework. The most common injuries suffered by fireworks users were burns to head and hands, including the face, eyes, ears and fingers. According to data provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 9,600 people were injured last summer due to the improper use of homemade or professional grade fireworks by untrained amateurs. These injuries, the majority of which required a trip to the emergency room, included severe burns and lost fingers. Four people were killed when illegal fireworks exploded unexpectedly, causing severe head and face trauma, and in one incident, decapitation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises consumers to research the legality of any type of fireworks devices in their communities before using them.
