ST. LOUIS — With Fourth of July next week, many people will set off fireworks in celebration. Over the past 15 years, injuries involving fireworks have increased nationwide, according to a report.
For 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 9,700 people were treated for firework-related injuries where 42% were burns and 35% were injuries to hands and fingers.
CPSC also reported eight firework-related deaths in 2023, where five were associated with firework misuse and two with a device malfunction.
That’s why Dr. Peter Fletcher, a Washington University Emergency Medicine physician and the emergency department medical director at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, recommends having a bucket of water nearby when shooting fireworks in a safe, open area.
“There is a high morbidity (rate) in terms of burns, loss of fingers,” he said.
Last year, 700 emergency department-treated injuries were caused by sparklers nationwide, according to the CPSC, and 800 were associated with firecrackers.
“Sparklers can burn from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” Fletcher said. “Understanding that even the simplest sparkler can burn quite hot.”
If someone does get burned, Fletcher said first to make sure someone’s clothes are not on fire and there is no fire around them.
A small burn can be treated by running it under cold water and taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol. For severe burns, Fletcher said to seek medical treatment.
He also suggests having a sober adult supervise the use of fireworks and for young children to wear hearing protection around loud explosives.
Between 2008 and 2023, injuries from fireworks have increased overall, despite recent CPSC data showing a decline in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic.
The CPSC’s injury data analysis shows 23% of selected and tested firework products contained noncompliant components such as fuse violations, prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload.
“While it is a great American tradition to enjoy fireworks around the Fourth of July, it is important to remember that all fireworks, even sparklers, pose dangers to consumers. The safest way to view fireworks is to watch professional displays,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric.
“If you choose to light your own, make sure you only buy legal fireworks intended for consumer use from a reputable retailer. And follow the simple safety tips provided below and on CPSC’s website.”
Below are safety firework tips as stated by the CPSC:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
- After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.