CDC Cautions Public Against Dangers of Fireworks
"Play It Safe: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals" is the message posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions' (CDC's) Web site. According to the agency, during the month around Independence Day (July 4th), in 2005, children 14 years and younger sustained nearly half of the injuries related to fireworks.
In 2005, an estimated 10,800 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries1. CDC offers some interesting Q&A items to help get across its message, these include:
- When do these injuries happen? Typically, 60 percent of injuries from fireworks in the United States occur in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday1.
- What types of fireworks cause injuries? Between June 18 and July 18, 2005, firecrackers (26 percent), sparklers (17 percent), and rockets (17 percent) accounted for most of the injuries seen in emergency departments. Sparklers were associated with over half of the estimated injuries among children under five years, during the same time period1.
- Who is likely to be injured? During the month around Independence Day (July 4th), children 14 years and younger sustained about 45 percent of injuries related to fireworks1.
- What kinds of injuries occur? Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, head, face, and ear1.