CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2001
Release # 01-179
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles or Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7052 OR 1183
CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
held a press conference today on the National Mall to demonstrate the
dangers of sparklers and some illegal fireworks, including M-80s and
salutes. Improper use of fireworks or use of illegal fireworks can
result in deaths, blindings, amputations and severe burns.
"Detonating these devices is best left to the professionals,
because even fireworks that seem innocent can cause serious injury,"
said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "For example, sparklers, that are often
used by young children, burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees
Fahrenheit."
"Fireworks can add fun and excitement to a holiday celebration,
but they can also turn a backyard celebration into a rush to the
emergency room," said Brown.
An analysis (pdf) prepared
by CPSC staff reveals that last year, hospital emergency rooms treated about 11,000 people
for fireworks-related injuries, somewhat higher than in 1999, when there
were 8,500 injuries. The increase was largely a result of increased
fireworks activities for the millennium celebrations, both at the fourth
of July and in January.
Prior to the millennium, injuries had decreased significantly from
the highs of 1992-94, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. From 1994
through 1999, there was a decrease in fireworks injuries by one third,
to 8,500 in 1999.
As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC prevents large
numbers of hazardous fireworks from reaching consumers. Illegal mail
order kits contain 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.
CPSC advises consumers to leave fireworks to the professionals.
But if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off
on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house,
dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or
fire.