Eye on Fireworks Safety

Although celebrating July 4 with a "bang!" may sound like the patriotic thing to do this upcoming Independence Day weekend, Mass. Eye and Ear physicians encourage you not to give in to the temptation to put on your own show.  Each year, thousands of people are injured while using fireworks.

Fireworks can cause serious injuries including burns, lacerations, eye injuries, vision loss, dismemberment and even death.

In 2009, United States hospital emergency departments treated close to 8,800 people due to fireworks-related injuries, as compared to 7,000 such injuries in 2008 (Consumer Product Safety Commission). In 2009, nearly 70 percent -- or 5,900 -- of the consumer injuries occurred during the period of June 19 through July 19. During that time, about 1,200 injuries treated in emergency rooms were attributed to firecrackers, while sparklers accounted for 1,000 injuries, rockes for 400 injuries, and Roman candles for 200. (Sparklers, which are often mistakenly considered harmless, can cause injuries. Sparklers can burn to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt glass and cause third-degree burns.)

More startling stats from the report:  More than half of the injuries were among people under 20. Boys and men suffered 73 percent of all injuries. Hands, fingers and eyes were among the most frequently injured. Two people died after setting off mortar shells.

Physicians at Mass. Eye and Ear urge you to recognize that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave it to the professionals. Take advantage of any professional (and often, FREE) fireworks displays that are available this Independence Day holiday.  Even during a professional display, never handle any fireworks that might remain. If previously ignited, these can discharge and cause injuries. Children should be told not to pick up fireworks if they find them, and to tell an adult immediately.

If an eye injury does occur:

• Do not try to remove any protruding objects from the eye.
   
• Flush the eye with water to remove any particles that are present.
   
• Cover the eye loosely for comfort and seek immediate medical attention.

Mass. Eye and Ear’s Eye Trauma Service provides specialized care to patients who have suffered severe and extensive eye injuries. The Eye Trauma Service is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, contact the Eye Trauma Service at (617) 573-3022.

Mass. Eye and Ear wishes you a fun-filled and safe holiday! Leave fireworks displays to the professionals!

Source: Information compiled from Consumer Product Safety Commission and www.MassEyeAndEar.org

Page updated 6/27/10