Fireworks injuries increasing

The American Pyrotechnics Association states that 49 states plus the District of Columbia allow some or all types of consumer fireworks. Illinois and Vermont allow only wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelty items. Massachusetts bans all consumer fireworks.

The most recent annual report from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that an estimated 10,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during the one-month period between June 21-July 21, 2020. The report also found that during that time period:

• 71 percent of fireworks-related injuries were to males.

• 15 percent of fireworks-related injuries were to the eyes.

• Firecrackers were the leading cause of fireworks-related injuries, followed by sparklers.

Adults ages 20-24 years had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries (17 injuries per 100,000 people). (The number is approximately three times the rate of injury for the same group in 2019, and is driven by an increase in injuries among females.)

Additionally, children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 18 percent of the estimated injuries. In fact, there were an estimated 400 injuries to small children, ages 0-4, due to sparklers alone. According to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, sparklers can burn at up to 1,800 degrees.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of using fireworks and to take part in other holiday activities.

A recent report found that bystanders account for 40 to 50 percent of those injured by fireworks, meaning adults and children must be vigilant, even when just observing firework displays. It is safest to attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous.