CPSC Demonstrates Fireworks Hazards - Commission Urges Consumers to Celebrate Safely on Independence Day

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2002
Release # 02-187

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066 OR 1183

CPSC Demonstrates Fireworks Hazards - Commission Urges Consumers to Celebrate Safely on Independence Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the wake of the events of September 11th, many Americans are planning to display their patriotism on the Fourth of July in a big way. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) used a press conference on the National Mall to urge consumers to celebrate safely by not purchasing illegal fireworks and by adhering to CPSC safety tips on using legal ones. The Commission demonstrated the explosive force of illegal fireworks and showed the hazards of legal fireworks and sparklers, when used by young children or when used in an unsafe manner. Commission data reveal the result can be a severe burn, blinding, amputation, and even death.

"We all want to spend our Fourth of July with family and friends, not in the emergency room," Acting Chairman Thomas Moore told reporters. "Never buy illegal fireworks such as M-80s or purchase professional, display fireworks, sometimes sold illegally to consumers. Also, too many people are injured by firecrackers placed in metal or glass containers or thrown at another person."

An analysis (pdf) prepared by CPSC staff reveals that last year (2001), hospital emergency rooms treated about 9500 people for fireworks-related injuries. The number of injuries has decreased significantly from the highs of 1992-94, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. From 1994 to 2001, the number of fireworks injuries fell by one fourth, from 12,500 to 9,500.

"Young children and fireworks don't mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to little ones," Moore told reporters. "Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit."

As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC prevents millions of hazardous fireworks from reaching consumers. Fireworks that are banned and often seized under the program include illegal mail order kits containing chemical mixtures that can explode unexpectedly and violently. M-80s, cherry bombs and quarter sticks are so highly explosive that they have been banned by Federal law since 1966. Working with the U.S. Customs Service since 1988, CPSC has seized or detained more than 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.

If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

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.

Consumers can also view a video clip showing the destructive power of fireworks (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.