Fireworks and Eye Safety

photo credit: ericskiff

Fourth of July Fireworks: The Vision Care Institute(TM) Says ‘Keep Your Eyes on Safety’

The American Academy of Ophthalmology urges families to attend public fireworks displays, instead of using fireworks at home, as a safe and patriotic way to honor our tradition of independence, our national unity and our hopes for a healthy future.

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Fireworks Injuries
* Fact Sheet

Though they can be exciting, festive and fun, it is important to remember that fireworks are also dangerous (CDC 2000). In 2005, an estimated 10,800 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries (Greene & Joholske 2006). The U.S. National Fire Protection Association and CDC strongly recommend that fireworks be used only by professionals.

* When do these injuries happen? Typically, 60% of injuries from fireworks in the United States occur in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday (Greene & Joholske 2006).

* What types of fireworks cause injuries? Between June 18 and July 18, 2005, firecrackers (26%), sparklers (17%), and rockets (17%) accounted for most of the injuries seen in emergency departments. Sparklers were associated with over half of the estimated injuries among children under 5 years, during the same time period (Greene & Joholske 2006).

* Who is likely to be injured? During the month around Independence Day (July 4th), children 14 years and younger sustained about 45% of injuries related to fireworks (Greene & Joholske 2006).

* What kinds of injuries occur? Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, and the head, face, and ear (Greene & Joholske 2006).

Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the federal government banned the sale of the largest and most dangerous fireworks to consumers. Some states have banned the general public’s use of fireworks altogether. Between 2000-2005, more than one third of the fireworks-related deaths involved professional devices that were illegally sold to consumers (CPSC 2006). The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.

One Response to “Fireworks and Eye Safety”

1. Snowy says:

   October 28, 2008 at 1:35 pm

   Good post.