CPSC Releases New Data on Fireworks-Related
Injuries and Deaths
WASHINGTON, June 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's that time of year when
Americans everywhere will be celebrating the Fourth of July holiday
with family, friends and fireworks. A new report from the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights the hazards
posed by consumer use of fireworks. CPSC is raising awareness and
sharing safety tips to prevent these types of injuries and deaths
over the holiday.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9275751-cpsc-fireworks-injuries-trend-upwards/
For 2023, CPSC received reports of eight deaths and an estimated
9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Out of the eight deaths, five
were associated with firework misuse, two with a device
malfunction, and one involves unknown circumstances.
The report shows that between 2008 and 2023, injuries from
fireworks have increased overall, despite recent data showing a
steady decline since the peak in 2020 during the pandemic when
public displays were canceled.
"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 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."
To understand more about fireworks-related injuries hazards
around the 4th of July, CPSC conducted an analysis of the injury
data in the four weeks surrounding the holiday in 2023 and found
the following:
- Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated
rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries,
with children ages 5-9 years old having the second highest
rate.
- There were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated
injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers.
- The parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were
hands and fingers (an estimated 35 percent of injuries) along with
head, face, and ears (an estimated 22 percent).
- About 42 percent of the emergency department-treated
fireworks-related injuries were for burns.
- In fiscal year 2023, approximately 18% of selected and tested
fireworks products were found to contain noncompliant components,
including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and
pyrotechnic materials overload.
CPSC urges consumers to celebrate safely this holiday by
following these safety tips:
Tips to Celebrate Safely
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks,
including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000
degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
- 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.
Download (English and Spanish) soundbites and
B-roll here.
View CPSC's latest fireworks PSA here.
For more fireworks safety tips, visit Fireworks | CPSC.gov
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with
protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death
associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products.
Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related
incidents cost the nation more than $1
trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of
consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of
injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50
years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject
to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in
consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC, and
X @USCPSC and Threads @USCPSC.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury
on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
- Contact a media specialist.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cpsc-urges-caution-while-celebrating-as-fireworks-related-injuries-trend-upward-302179488.html
SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission