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Too often Fourth of July fireworks accidents rob adults or children of the glorious sights of summer. Last year the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that more than 9,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
“We are particularly concerned with the increasing percentage of eye injuries,” says Frank J. Carlomagno, executive director of the Virginia Affiliate of the National Society to Prevent Blindness.
Many fireworks-related injuries strike children, often resulting in a permanent vision disability. An American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) study found that 40 percent of the cases reported caused permanent eye damage and in almost 25 percent of the injuries — mostly in children - either an eye was destroyed or some vision was lost.
There are many misconceptions about fireworks. One is that fireworks-related injuries occur only in non-regulated states. In fact, enough fireworks find their way into regulated areas to account for 45 percent of the eye injuries. Another fallacy is that your children are safe if they don’t use fireworks. Actually, 25 percent of the eye injuries were to bystanders.
Finally, don’t be fooled into thinking that there are “safe” fireworks. Even the widely available sparklers bum at 1800 degrees, a temperature almost hot enough to melt gold. Particularly dangerous are bottle rockets, which accounted for well over a third of the eye injuries noted in the study.
The Society’s Virginia Affiliate warns against the use of fireworks. Unfortunately, the range of state laws and illicit markets make fireworks readily available.
If you are going to use fireworks, the following safety guidelines are recommended:
• Before using any type of fireworks, check state and local laws.
• Children should never be allowed to discharge fireworks. Even “safe” fireworks (i.e., sparklers) are a danger to children.
• Read and follow all instructions and warning labels. Wear eye protection.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors in a clear area away from homes, buildings and combustible materials.
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