By Dr. Philip Coule, Emergency Physician
MCG Health System 

Nothing says Fourth of July like fireworks. But every year, thousands of children and adults across the country head to the emergency room with injuries and burns to the hands, eyes, head and face because of these fiery devices.

Georgia law now permits consumer use of wire sparklers with up to 100 grams of explosive chemical compound; sparkling fountains (items that say “emits showers of sparks”) with up to 200 grams total explosive chemical for multiple tube items or 75 grams for each individual tube; snakes; glow worms; snappers; and party poppers. Prohibited items include firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, Roman candles, bombs or any other firework that shoots in the air before exploding and wire sparklers with more than 100 grams of explosive materials.

For safety’s sake, it is recommended that children and adults avoid lighting fireworks at home and instead attend public fireworks displays to celebrate the Fourth. However, if you choose to use fireworks, it’s important that you know the risks and the precautions to help keep you safe.

Know the Risks

• Fireworks are explosives, not toys.
• Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime.
• Fireworks that are often thought to be safe, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can burn users and bystanders.
• In 2005, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission examined fireworks-related injuries around the Fourth of July, and found that an estimated 6,500 people were treated in ERs from June 18 to July 18. Half were children or young adults. A total of 10,800 were treated in that year.
• According to the USCPSC, sparklers cause the greatest number of injuries, with children ages 5 to 14 being injured by sparklers more than any other type of fireworks.
• Drought conditions (which are currently occurring in the South) and fireworks also aren't a good mix. Based on an 11-year average, the National Fire Protection Agency shows that more than 32,000 fires occur annually due to fireworks. Ninety percent of these fires are outdoors, affecting more than 3,000 structures and vehicles and causing an estimated $30 million in property damage.
• Of all fireworks injuries, 40 percent involve the hands, 20 percent involve the eyes and 20 percent involve the face and head, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. One-third of all eye injuries result in permanent blindness.

Stay Safe

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Adults should supervise the lighting of all fireworks. Children should not play with or ignite fireworks.
• Buy from reliable sellers and stay away from illegal explosives. Never make your own fireworks.
• Use outdoors only, on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, leaves or other flammable materials.
• Light only one firework at a time. The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

After lighting, get out of range and stay alert.

• Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water and dispose of it.
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid shooting off fireworks in a large crowd, and make sure others are out of range. Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• When attending public displays, stay behind the safety barriers. The best view of fireworks is actually about a quarter of a mile or more from the firing site.
• Pets have very sensitive ears, and the booms and bangs associated with a fireworks display can be quite uncomfortable and painful - particularly to dogs - so leave pets at home.

Remember, fireworks are not toys and can cause serious injury and property damage. Public fireworks displays managed by professionals remain the best choice for celebrating this holiday. But if you must use fireworks at home, be aware of the risks and take care to keep your family and friends safe this Fourth of July.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group.  MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services.  MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.  For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.