(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The most sparkly and spectacular holiday of the year is, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous when it comes to fireworks. As more Americans shoot off fireworks themselves, injuries are rising exponentially. Let’s break this down.
When were fireworks first invented?
Many historians believe fireworks have their origins dating back to 200 BC in China.
According to History.com, They would roast bamboo, which explodes with a bang when heated due to its hollow air pockets, in order to ward off evil spirits. At some point between 600 and 900 A.D., Chinese alchemists—perhaps hoping to discover an elixir for immortality—mixed together saltpeter (potassium nitrate, then a common kitchen seasoning), charcoal, sulfur and other ingredients, unwittingly yielding an early form of gunpowder. The Chinese began stuffing the volatile substance into bamboo shoots that were then thrown into the fire to produce a loud blast. The first fireworks were born.
When were fireworks first used to celebrate Independence Day?
On July 3, 1776, John Adams penned a letter to his wife suggesting fireworks, “illuminations” be used to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day (the next day the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence). The following year, fireworks were used in Philadelphia’s celebration of Independence Day along with a parade.
What types of fireworks are legal/illegal?
Currently, Massachusetts is the only state that bans any individual from owning or setting off fireworks. As for the other states, laws vary. For most states, party poppers, smokers, hand-held sparklers, wheel and ground spinners and those approved by the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) are approved. Illegal fireworks most commonly include rockets, Roman Candles, wire and wooden sparklers, projectile fireworks, those using arsenic, phosphorus, thiocyanates, and gunpowder.
Each state’s laws can be viewed here.
How many people get injured each year during Fourth of July?
Statistics vary but according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) :
- Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
- In 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries.
Which fireworks appear to be the most dangerous?
Many fireworks range in potential for injury, and fire hazards appear to be the most worrisome. However, sparklers appear to be the culprit in the majority of cases sending kids and adults to the emergency room.
What types of injuries can be incurred from fireworks?
Keep in mind some sparklers can reach up to 2000 degrees. Not only is direct contact with fireworks dangerous but secondary injuries may occur trying to avoid the firework. These include:
- Burns
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Hearing Loss
- Lacerations
- Broken Bones
- Sprains
- Car accidents
Burns comprise the majority of injuries, however many other tragic ones can occur. One of my in-laws was a bystander when he lost his cornea (outer layer of the eye) from a popper that jumped towards his face, blinding him.
How can we protect ourselves from firework injuries?
- Avoid purchasing and using illegal fireworks.
- Do not allow young children to handle the fireworks.
- Use neighborhood areas that are not in the flow of traffic.
- Have buckets of water and fire extinguishers nearby.
- Have bystanders back up and remember that they can be in the line of danger as those handling the fireworks.
- Never relight a firework.
- Dispose of fireworks only after thoroughly doused with water by a bucket or hose.
- Don’t carry fireworks in pockets.
- Don’t shoot fireworks out of metal or glass casings.
- Opt for watching professional fireworks shows. They are true fireworks, created by pros, and much more spectacular and beautiful than what we can do on our own.
Happy 4th of July!!
Daliah Wachs, MD, FAAFP
