Bottle Rockets and Firecrackers Headed List of Fireworks Causing Injuries for 2004

Bottle rockets and firecrackers headed the list of fireworks causing injuries in the ISPB 2004 Illinois Annual Fireworks Survey.

Each year, the ISPB contacts Illinois ophthal-mologists, optometrists and hospital emergency rooms to assist in tabulating injuries caused by
various fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.

The results of the survey showed that 64 percent  of those treated for eye and body injuries caused by fireworks were again children and young adults through the age of 20. The averaged percentages were as follows:

Interestingly, the age group of 11 through 20 increased from 35 percent in 2003 to 50 percent in 2004 possibly due to the increased use of bottle rockets, hand-held fountains and firecrackers.

The survey also showed that 71 percent of those treated for fireworks eye injuries were males and 29 percent were females. Bottle rockets and firecrackers led the list at 21 percent each, followed by sparklers, roman candles, fountains, ladyfingers, jumping jack and professional displays, equally divided at 7 percent with 14 percent unspecified.

All of the respondents reported varying degrees of eye, facial and body injuries,
including hyphema, corneal abrasions, lid lacerations, conjunctiva and burns to face, hands and legs.

The inevitable truth still remains that various fireworks, especially the illegal ones, continue to cause too many eye and body injuries. Always remember to follow the laws on fireworks in your state and in your community.

The ISPB would like you to take the following quiz on your knowledge of fireworks set up by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Each answer is either True or False.

1. Children should never play with or light fireworks.
2. Adults should always keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
3. Adults should read and follow all warnings and
   instructions before using fireworks.
4. Adults should be sure that other people
   are out of range before lighting fireworks.
   Fireworks
5. Sparklers burn at such high temperatures that they burn clothing.
6. A 7-year-old boy lost half of his left hand, including his fingers when he lit an M-80 he found hidden in a family bedroom.
7. An 8-year-old girl received second and third degree burns to her leg when a spark she was holding ignited her dress.
    

All of the fireworks statements are True.

How did you score?

The ISPB joins the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the National Council on Fireworks Safety and other national and Illinois groups in the hope that the number of eye and body injuries due to fireworks will be reduced this upcoming Fourth of July holiday, New Year’s Eve, as well as throughout the year.
 

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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