Current Features
Celebrate Safely — Prevent Fireworks-related Injuries
In 2006, eleven people in the U.S. died, and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments, for fireworks-related injuries, which were most common on and around holiday celebrations, such as the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve.
What You Can Do
Remember- the safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.
What You Should Know
• About 1 in every 3 fireworks-related injuries in 2006 happened between June 16 and July 16.
• People actively participating in fireworks-related activities are more frequently and severely injured than bystanders.
• During the time around the 4th of July, almost half of those injured by fireworks were children and young adults under 20.
• Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, head, face, and ears.
• Fireworks can cause blindness, third degree burns, and permanent scarring. They can also cause life-threatening residential and motor vehicle fires.
Where You Can Learn More
Web-based Resources
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fireworks Safety Web Site
Podcasts 
• All Unintentional Injury Podcasts
Health-e-Card
Page last updated: June 30, 2008
Content source: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Content owner: National Center for Health Marketing
URL for this page: www.cdc.gov/Features/Fireworks/
*Links to non-federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
