Fireworks-related injuries have been trending upward in the U.S., with a particularly large number of injuries occurring in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when many public fireworks shows were canceled, a new federal report finds.
In 2006, about 9,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments, but by 2021 there were 11,500, a 25% increase, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest annual fireworks report. Over the 15-year period reviewed, injuries increased by an average of 274 per year, with most occurring close to the Fourth of July holiday.
During that 15-year period, 158 fireworks-related deaths were reported, for an average of about 10 per year. The report states that reporting of fireworks-related deaths for 2021 is incomplete, but at least nine were reported that year.
The highest number of fireworks-related injuries reported in a single year during the 15-year period was 15,600, reported in 2020.
ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson said the safest way to enjoy fireworks on the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend is to view a public display instead of allowing your family to handle dangerous objects.
“For young children, sparklers are particularly dangerous,” said ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson. “Sparklers burn at extremely high heat, and touching a lit sparkler to skin can result in third-degree burns. The last place you want to be on July 4 is in the emergency room with an injured child.”
