A new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that those innocent-looking bottle-rockets and sparklers pose outsized risks to kids and account for nearly a quarter of all fireworks injuries.
Last year, more than 10,000 people were injured in fireworks-related incidents and 11 people died, an increase in deaths from the previous year, the CPSC reported. Three of those killed were innocent bystanders, including a 19-year-old and an elderly couple whose houses were set on fire by other people’s fireworks.
Fireworks injuries surge this time every year, with about 65 percent of incidents occurring near the July 4th holiday. The CPSC says children under 15 had the highest rate of injury of any age group, accounting for 40 percent of patients. The hands and face are the most commonly injured body parts.
Sparklers are one of the most deceptive and therefore dangerous types of fireworks, the CPSC warned, because their small size and slow burn makes them seem harmless. Small children are particularly attracted to them. But the CPSC says they are like mini blow-torches burning at temperatures around 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metal.
Many states allow the purchase of consumer-grade fireworks and several more allow the use of these fireworks, but not the purchase. Three states ban all purchase and use of fireworks: Delaware, Massachusetts and New Jersey. (Click to see NJ Fireworks laws).
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