With Fourth of July right around the corner, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has released a disturbing report on fireworks and the serious damage they can cause. According to the report, the number of eye injuries related to fireworks nearly doubled in 2017, compared to the number in 2016.
Statistics Involving Injuries from Fireworks
In 2016, there were 700 firework injuries to the eyes. In 2017, there were 1,200 such injuries. Fireworks were responsible for 11,000 total injuries in 2016 and 13,000 injuries in 2017. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that an average of 280 people go to the emergency room due to fireworks-related injuries for the two week time period before and after the Fourth of July each year.
Firework Safety Tips
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and optical surgeons, comprised of more than 32,000 doctors. Every year, ophthalmologists treat thousands of patients who sustain eye injuries, ranging from relatively minor injuries such as cuts and bruises to significant injuries like damaged corneas and ruptured eyeballs. This group warns that most firework related injuries stem from fireworks that parents buy for their children, such as sparklers, Roman candles and bottle rockets. It recommends that parents and community members follow these tips to stay safe around fireworks this holiday season:
- Keep a safe distance – Most firework injury victims are bystanders and not the person actually lighting the fireworks, so be sure that you keep a safe distance from these lit up projectiles.
- Wear protective eyewear – If you will be lighting the fireworks, consider purchasing a good pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear. You can find them at most hardware stores.
- Supervise children – Every year, sparklers cause approximately 1,400 eye injuries. Avoid giving children these items. If you let them use them, keep a close eye on them.
- Don’t pick up misfired fireworks – Avoid picking up duds or other fireworks that have misfired, since they can active late and potentially cause eye injuries and other injuries.
- Celebrate with the community – Rather than spending a lot of money on paying for your own fireworks, go to a professional show that is handled by people with more experience with these devices. You can save money and still have a great time.
What to Do if Injured by Fireworks
If you, your child or another loved one is injured in the eye due to fireworks, take the following steps immediately:
- Seek medical attention
- Avoid rubbing your eye, which may make your injury worse
- Avoid rinsing your eye or applying any pressure to it
- If an item is stuck in your eye, do not remove it
- Avoid applying ointments or taking any pain medications before you have sought medical help
