Fireworks dangers: Sparklers a major cause of injuries
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Annual Fireworks Report, there were nearly 12,000 estimated fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. in 2015.
The report says sparklers alone accounted for almost a quarter of emergency room injuries over a one month time span.
While fireworks are a fun pastime for many, there are a lot of things that can go wrong if you’re not paying attention.
Assistant Fire Chief Gale Blomenkamp with the Boone County Fire Protection District tells ABC 17 News the most common injuries they see are minor burns or eye irritations.
However, fireworks can cause serious injuries–from the loss of limbs to blindness.
“One of the more common causes of permanent blindness is firework related injuries,” Dr. Jeff Litt, Burn, Trauma and Acute Care surgeon with the University of Missouri Hospital tells ABC 17 News.
Of the thousands of fireworks injuries in 2015, children under the age of 15 accounted for over 25 percent.
Blomenkamp says “sober adult supervision” is crucial while Dr. Litt recommends keeping sparklers away from children altogether.
“[Sparklers] can cause a serious, third degree surgery-requiring burn in milliseconds, basically,” Dr. Litt says.
Authorities say fireworks can be fun if you use basic common sense and always follow the instructions.
“People just need to understand that if they follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, things can be very safe and their Fourth of July can be a happy celebration,” Blomenkamp says.
