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In the United States, 43 states plus the District of Columbia allow some or all types of consumer fireworks. The states that ban all consumer fireworks are Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
Of the approximately 8,000 fireworks-related injuries each year in the United States, approximately 2,000 are eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks. About one-third of these injuries result in permanent eye damage and one-fourth in permanent vision loss or blindness. Nearly one in 20 victims loses all useful vision or requires removal of the eye.
40 percent of all eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks are inflicted on bystanders.
Three-fourths of all fireworks-related eye injuries are to boys between the ages of 13 and 15.
The most dangerous type of firework is the small, explosive bottle rocket, which flies erratically, causing bystander injuries. The bottles and cans used to launch them often explode, showering fragments of glass and metal. According to the United States Eye Injury Registry, in 2000, 67% of injuries were from bottle rockets, 7% from firecrackers, 4% from Roman candles, and 22% were either unknown or other fireworks.
Sparklers, often given to young children, burn at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit - a temperature hot enough to melt gold.
Fireworks are classified in two categories: "display" and "consumer." These categories were assigned by the U.S. Department of Transportation based on the United Nations' Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
"Display fireworks" are devices used by park districts for public exhibition. In 1966, the federal government outlawed all display fireworks from interstate commerce for private use and also began to regulate the manufacture and sale of devices sold to the public.
"Consumer fireworks" are any small devices commonly bought over the counter. Ground fireworks, such as firecrackers, have a maximum allowable charge of 50 milligrams of gunpowder. Aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, have a maximum allowable charge of 130 milligrams of gunpowder. Other types of consumer fireworks are sparklers, fountains and snakes.
To help you celebrate the Fourth of July safely, the consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:
- Always read and follow label directions
- Always have an adult present
- Only by from reliable fireworks sellers
- Only ignite fireworks outdoors
- Be sure to have water handy
- Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
- Light only one at a time
- Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
- Dispose of fireworks properly
- Never throw fireworks at another person
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
The Sight & Hearing Association strongly advises you to view fireworks in the safest manner possible: at a professionally sponsored public fireworks display.
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