For many of us, fireworks are a symbol of celebration– a perfect end to a summer day, or a dazzling display to celebrate a beloved holiday. Despite the joy they bring us, fireworks can also pose several health risks. In 2021 alone, there were an estimated 11,500 emergency room-treated injuries involving fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Firework-related injuries include burns, eye damage, injury to the head, face, and ears, and injuries related to the hands and fingers. While dangerous, there are ways to enjoy our favorite fireworks without risking injury to you or your loved ones.
Tip #1: Remember, they are FIRE-works
It may seem like a no-brainer to practice caution when dealing with flammable materials like fireworks or sparklers, but 32 percent of all firework injuries are burns. In addition, fireworks are responsible for an average of 18,500 fires every year. Some ways to reduce firework-related burns and fires include:
– Never light fireworks indoors or in a container
– Don’t light fireworks, sparklers, poppers, or any other devices near houses or flammable materials
– Light fireworks one at a time and from a safe distance (Most firework-related ER visits are the result of hand injuries)
– Soak spent or unused fireworks in water for a few hours before disposal
– Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or malfunction
Tip #2: Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix
Do not use drugs or alcohol before handling fireworks, as they can impair your ability to use the products safely. Additionally, ensure individuals near firework demonstrations who’ve ingested alcohol remain at least 35 feet away from ground-based fireworks and at least 150 feet away from aerial fireworks.
Tip #3: Wear hearing and eye protection
Eye injuries due to fireworks are incredibly common. In fact, the CPSC found that 14% of all firework-related injuries were eye injuries. Firecrackers, sparklers, and fireworks have all caused eye injuries including corneal abrasions and chemical and thermal burns. In the worst cases, they have caused retinal detachments, traumatic cataracts, glaucoma, and rupture of the globe of the eye. Wear eye protection or safety goggles when near fireworks to avoid eye damage or vision loss.
Fireworks can also affect your hearing. Did you know? Fireworks can exceed 150 decibels, according to the Center for Disease Control. Any sound over 80 decibels runs the risk of impacting your hearing. Wearing hearing protection like earmuffs or earplugs could protect your hearing later in life.
Tip #4: Be Aware of Bystanders
When you light up personal fireworks, you risk your own health as well as the health of nearby bystanders. In fact, one study found that 65 percent of people injured by fireworks were bystanders, including children and pets. Be considerate of the lives and property of those around you. An estimated 19,500 fires were started due to fireworks in 2018, causing a devastating $105 million in property damage, not to mention the habitat loss for fires in forested or grassy areas.
Tip #5: Leave the explosives to the experts
The best way to prevent firework injuries is to let trained professionals take the reins. In fact, many types of fireworks are illegal in Virginia unless you are a licensed contractor. When you don’t know what you’re doing, injuries are more likely to happen, which is why it’s safer for you and your loved ones to enjoy public displays conducted by professionals.
For personal, private gatherings, consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, silly string, confetti poppers, or colored streamers. This summer, keep those you love safe from dangerous fireworks and be smart. Check your local news organizations for more information about safe, public fireworks displays, and leave the dangerous explosives to the experts.
