Fireworks Info : Texas Physicians Urge Safety With 4th of July Fireworks

Gilbert Handal, MD, knows firsthand the dangers of mishandling consumer fireworks because he has treated the victims: a 10-year-old girl who suffered serious corneal damage after a firework burned her face and eyes; and a 7-year-old boy who received serious burns and scars on his hands while holding a "sparkler" firework, which many consider less of a risk to use.

Such stories are common. Every year thousands of people are injured from fireworks, and two in every five of those injured are under age 15. As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the Texas Medical Association (TMA) cautions Texans about the dangers of handling consumer fireworks.

"Children, and frequently adults, are not aware of how dangerous fireworks can be and the harm they can cause people through burns and loss of property," says Dr. Handal, who has seen numerous firework-related injuries in his El Paso practice, in spite of the prohibition in that city against the sale and use of fireworks.

"Fireworks ideally should be managed by professionals who are trained and have the expertise to use them. But if parents do choose to let their children handle consumer fireworks, a responsible adult should closely supervise the activity," Dr. Handal stresses.

Dr. Handal, a member of TMA's Committee on Child and Adolescent Health, says even the most benign-looking firework can result in severe burns. More than 1,000 annual fireworks injuries are associated with sparklers and bottle rockets, according to the 2008 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's fireworks report.

Every year the injury toll is staggering. In 2008, hospitals and emergency rooms treated 7,000 patients with firework-related injuries, with 58 percent of those injuries to the extremities. Most injuries occur around the Fourth of July - more than two-thirds of fireworks-related injuries in 2008 were reported between June 20 and July 20. (The 2009 fireworks-related injury report will be released on June 30.)

Texas law allows consumer fireworks to be sold to people ages 16 and older. Teens ages 15 through 19 are most often injured by fireworks.

TMA favors passage of legislation that restricts the sale and use of fireworks to licensed pyrotechnic operators.

"If I had my choice, I would ban the use of fireworks except under expert control of people with experience and resources to make them a worthy and safe experience," Dr. Handal says. "But because of state law that is not possible in Texas, so we must educate patients and concentrate on safety."

TMA seeks cooperation with other associations, state agencies, and statewide groups to raise awareness and provide education on the dangers of fireworks to patients. TMA also recommends age-appropriate fireworks education be included as a component in overall health education.

TMA doctors suggest the safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July is to watch professional fireworks displays in local communities. However, for people using fireworks this holiday weekend TMA physicians urge:

- Never let children light or play with fireworks;

- Read and follow all warnings and instructions;

- Keep fireworks out of range of other people before lighting;

- Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface, away from buildings and any flammable materials;

- Never try to relight a firework that didn't ignite; and

- Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.

Source:

Texas Medical Association

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