2003 ISPB Illinois Annual Fireworks Survey

In June of 2003, the ISPB contacted optometrists, ophthalmologists and hospital emergency rooms state-wide to take part in its annual fireworks survey. Through continued support the respondents make this survey possible.

The survey results for 2003 showed that 70 percent of the eye-related injuries were children and young adults through the age of 20. The averaged percentages were as follows:

• under 11 years of age (35 percent)
• aged 11 through 20 (35 percent)
• aged 21 through 50 (23 percent)
• Over 50 ( 4 percent)
• Unspecified ( 4 percent)

The survey also showed that 62 percent of those treated for fireworks eye injuries were males, 35 percent were females with 4 percent unspecified.

Bottle Rockets led the list for the third year in a row at 23 percent, followed by sparklers and firecrackers equally divided at 12 percent each. Other types of fireworks reported including novelties (popper, spinner), Cherry Bomb, Crazy Jack /Jumping Jack, Mortar/Fiesta Ball and Professional Public Fireworks.

Varying degrees of injuries listed included corneal abrasions, erosion and burns; retinal contusion; traumatic conjunctivitis; traumatic iritis; retinal tear, detachment; hyphema; erythema and infection.

This year the ISPB’s fireworks message is:

Leave the display fireworks to the professionals this 4th of July holiday.

Attending a municipal fireworks display is probably the safest way to celebrate. Be aware, however, that injuries can occur to bystanders. Keep a safe distance, obey the officials and local laws — even regarding sparklers and novelties.

The ISPB joins the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) and others on educating the public on fireworks safety. Because of the risks for eye-related and bodily injuries here are some practical safety tips we would like to pass on:

• Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles.
• Keep younger children away from all fireworks; older children should have responsible adult supervision.
• Never make or use homemade fireworks.
• Never extend any part of the body over lit fireworks.
• Never relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water and discard them properly.
• Keep water nearby for emergencies.
• Immerse sparklers (which burn at 1800° (Fah.) in water after they appear to be burned out.
• Be sure other bystanders and pets are out of range.
• Observe all state and local laws.
• In case of eye injuries do not touch, rub or press on the insured eye. Seek immediate care from an eye care professional or hospital emergency rooms.

Through widespread media publicity and by educating children and adults of the dangers of fireworks, the ISPB, the CPSC and the NCFS hope that the number of eye-related and bodily injuries will be reduced, not only during this upcoming Fourth of July holiday and New Year’s Eve, but throughout the year. n

The Visionary, published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness,
is available upon request. The information contained in this issue,
taken from sources considered to be accurate,
does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.

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