4th of July Fireworks and Eye Safety
Dangers of Fireworks
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There are approximately 8,500 fireworks-related injuries each year in the United States. Of these, about 2,000 are eye injuries. One-third of these injuries result in permanent eye damage and one-fourth in permanent vision loss or blindness. Almost one in 20 victims lose all useful vision or require removal of the inured eye.
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One-fourth of all eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks happen to bystanders.
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Three-fourths of all fireworks-related eye injuries happen to boys between the ages of 13 and 15.
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The single most dangerous kind of firework is the bottle rocket, which flies erratically, often causing bystander injuries.
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For children under age 5, sparklers account for three-quarters of all firework injuries. Young children find these sticks of fire – burning as hot as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit – irresistible to touch.
Safety Tips
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Never let children play with fireworks of any kind, including sparklers.
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View public fireworks displays from a safe distance.
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Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians (the professionals who put on fireworks shows) to do their jobs safely.
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Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
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If you find unexploded fireworks, don’t touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police department.
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All pyrotechnicians should wear safety goggles.
