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July 2006 - What's on your list of things to do for the Fourth of July? If you're thinking about putting on your own fireworks display, think again! According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries are seen each year in emergency rooms, with nearly 30 percent being injuries to the eyes. Furthermore, over 6,000 people were involved in accidents caused by fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2004.
Although illegal firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles account for two-thirds of fireworks injuries, seemingly harmless sparklers also cause numerous injuries each year. For children under age five, sparklers account for more than one half of all fireworks injuries. Fascinated by the bright sparks, young children find these sticks of fire, burning as hot as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and irresistible to touch.
"Each year hundreds of people end up with terrible eye injuries and burns from fireworks, and a lot of the victims are bystanders and children," said Sonia H. Yoo, M.D., assistant professor at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. "There's just no way to use fireworks at home safely." If you or someone in your family injures their eyes in a fireworks accident, seek professional medical help immediately. Do not rub your eyes and do not attempt to apply ointments or rinse out your eye.
Play it safe this year. Pack a picnic, take a blanket or folding chairs and attend a professional fireworks display. Let the professionals handle the fireworks.
For more on ways to avoid eye injuries, visit our Preventive Care section.