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As many Americans hope to celebrate Fourth of July with his family and friends, fireworks injuries increased 25 percent in the U.S. between 2006 and 2021, according to a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that reviewed injuries with fireworks last year.
“It is essential for consumers to be aware of the risks involved in using fireworks, so that injuries and tragedies can be prevented. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to see professional exhibitions,” said the CPSC president. , Alex Hoehn-Saric, in a press release on the report.
Viewers see Macy’s 45th annual fireworks display on July 4 overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City on July 4 in New York’s Queens neighborhood. (Alexi Rosenfeld / Getty Images)
“The CPSC’s Office of Compliance and Field Operations continues to work closely with other federal agencies to prevent the sale of illegal fireworks for consumption.”
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About 11,500 people went there emergency room for the injured related to fireworks in 2021, which decreased from 15,600 emergency care injuries in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when many public exhibitions were canceled, according to the report.
74% of all firefighting-related injuries in 2021 occurred a few weeks before and after July 4 last year, with the highest estimated rate of emergency department visits in the age group. from 20 to 24 years.
A young man wearing American flag suits smiles during the July 4 fireworks cruise on the deck of the Belle of Louisville, a historic steamship, on July 4, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jon Cherry / Getty Images)
Hands and fingers were the most common part of the injured body, followed by the head, face and ears in 2021. Approximately 34% of injuries occurred to the arms, legs or torso.
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According to the report, approximately one-third of the fireworks-related injuries treated by the emergency department in 2021 were from burns, while an estimated 31% of the selected and tested fireworks contained non-compliant components.
And a national survey from the University of Michigan reminds us of that Children should also be aware of the safety of fireworks.
“For many families, lighting fireworks is a favorite summer tradition, but fireworks are unpredictable. It’s essential that parents keep their children away from where these fireworks are lit,” said Sarah Clark, co-director from a recent University of Michigan. Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Child Health Survey.
“Our survey suggests that some parents may need to be more diligent to ensure a safe environment that minimizes these risks and protects children from fireworks injuries.”
More than half of the parents in the survey reported that someone, either from their family or from their neighborhood, fired fireworks the previous two years.
But the survey reported that only one in five children was sitting at least 100 feet away from where aerial fireworks were fired.
“Parents differ on the age they would allow their child to participate in lighting fireworks,” Clark said in the press release.
“But parents need to make sure their children are the right age and level of maturity to understand the dangers involved and the importance of carefully following all safety rules. If the child is not prepared to do these things, your risk of burns, eye injuries and other accidents.
People gather on Main Street to watch the fireworks as they celebrate Independence Day on July 4, 2021 in Sweetwater, Tennessee. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)
Parents often see sparks as a safer alternative for children, but in 2021 there were 1,100 injuries related to the emergency department due to the spark, according to the CPSC report.
Clark said sparks can burn more than 1,000 degrees, which can lead to serious burn injuries if not treated the right way.
“Children should hold the spark with one arm away from their own eyes, hair and clothes. Much of the fun of flares is to turn or move them, which can make it a challenge for children. parents make sure there is enough distance between the children. ” said the Mott survey report.
“Parents may believe that sparks are a safe way for younger children to enjoy summer celebrations. But these are hand-held fireworks that can reach temperatures hot enough to burn some metals,” Clark said. in the press release.
“Sparklers are only safe if parents comply with all safety measures and children follow them.”
Here are some more Safety tips with fireworks from the press release:
- Buy only legal fireworks that are labeled for consumer use.
- Use eye protection if you make fireworks.
- Be at least 100 feet away where fireworks are released.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never aim or throw fireworks or sparks at anyone.
- Have a bucket of water or garden hose in case of emergency.
- Place the flare in a bucket of water after use.
- Make sure children wear shoes around the fireworks.
“Prepare to use first aid. For a mild burn, place a wet towel with cold water over the area for about five minutes. Then cover with a clean bandage and give your child acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling, “the statement said.
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“For a major burn, or if the burn affects the eyes, take the child to the emergency room immediately.”