Dangers of Fireworks & Sparklers

Although fireworks and sparklers are a fun and patriotic form of entertainment, they can also be dangerous when not used properly. Fireworks seem harmless but they are a kind of explosive, and sparklers reach temperatures of 2,000 F, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Knowing the risks and following instructions are key to avoiding injury and fires.

Statistics

• According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2009 there were two deaths and 9,000 injuries that caused a trip to the emergency room as a result of fireworks and sparklers. Of these 9,000 injuries, 6,000 were within a month of the fourth of July. Males are most at-risk for injury, making up 72 percent of cases; 45 percent of injuries were to children 14 and under, according to the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center.

Types Of Accidents

• Firecrackers cause by far the most injuries, at 1,600 in 2003, according to the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center. These are followed by bottle rockets, at 1,000 injuries, and sparklers, at 700 injuries. Type of injury often varies on the age of the victim; 57 percent of injuries to children under the age of five in the month around the fourth of July in 2003 were due to sparklers, while injury by firecrackers and bottle rockets were more common in children ages five to 14. Most injuries were burns, typically to the hands or face.

Preventing Accidents

• One of the most important actions to prevent accidents is to never let young children play with fireworks and sparklers, and to always supervise activity involving fireworks, making sure the participants are following directions. Confirm that the fireworks you are using are legal in your state, and don't buy fireworks packaged in plain brown paper, as these are typically for professional use only. Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire. Following these simple steps can help keep your fireworks activities both fun and safe.