CPSC Demonstrates Fireworks Hazards, Urges Consumers to Celebrate
Legally and Safely on Independence Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With Independence Day near and American patriotism
high, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to
celebrate the occasion safely by not purchasing or using illegal
fireworks and by adhering to safety guidelines if using legal ones.
At a press conference on the National Mall today, Chairman Hal
Stratton demonstrated the explosive and destructive force of illegal
fireworks. He also demonstrated the hazards young children risk when
using legal fireworks and sparklers and the dangers consumers face when
they use fireworks in an unsafe manner. "The consequences of fireworks
misuse can be severe burns, loss of eyesight, amputation, and even
death," Stratton said.
"Above all, never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young
children," Stratton said. "Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000
degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough to cause third degree burns."
Hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. treated about 8,800 people
for fireworks-related injuries in 2002, according to a commission staff
analysis. However, the number of injuries has decreased significantly
from the highs of 1992 to 1994, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year.
Stratton attributes the decrease to rigorous enforcement, more consumer
awareness of the potential dangers fireworks pose, and the production of
a higher quality product by reputable fireworks manufacturers.
Through undercover buys, online purchases, inspections and
investigations, CPSC is tracking down and shutting down illegal roadside
stands, warehouses and retail stores that sell professional grade
explosives to consumers, and homes that serve as havens for the
manufacture of dangerous fireworks devices.
As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC actively works
with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the
Justice Department's Office of Consumer Litigation, U.S. Attorney's
Offices across the country, and the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection
to prevent millions of hazardous and illegal fireworks from reaching
consumers. For example, since 1988, CPSC and the Bureau of Customs
& Border Protection have seized or detained more than 400 million
hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.
CPSC and ATF have worked closely to build criminal cases against
manufacturers and distributors in Seattle, a retailer in Indiana, and an
importer/dealer in Kansas. These joint investigations led to the
seizure of thousands of M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, and professional
fireworks marked for consumers that could have caused serious injuries
or death.
Highly explosive M-80's, cherry bombs, and quarter sticks have
been banned under Federal law since 1966. Additionally, it is illegal
to sell mail order kits that include the chemicals and components to
make such large firecrackers.
If you do decide to set fireworks off on your own, be sure to
follow these important safety tips:
Make sure your fireworks are legal in your area.
Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house,
dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass
containers.
Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or
fire.