The 4th of July weekend is fast approaching. With it, several images come to mind: hot dogs, lakeside activities—and, of course, fireworks.
While the holiday is full of fun and excitement, it can also be one of the most dangerous times of the year. In 2022, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that an estimated 10,200 people were treated in the ER due to firework-related injuries over the 4th of July weekend. 38% of those reported injuries were burns, and almost 1 in 5 of the burns are eye-related.
Fireworks are a sight to behold, but they can seriously damage your eyes if not handled with proper care. June is Fireworks Eye Safety Month, so let’s look at some ways you can have a happy and safe 4th of July.
How do Firework-related Eye Injuries Happen?
Every year, nearly 2,000 children are treated in the United States for fireworks-related injuries, according to Hopkins Medicine. The most common fireworks-related burn injuries come from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Mishandling these can result in third-degree burns and an injury to the eye can cause permanent vision loss. Burns from sparklers happen when children grab the lit end of a sparkler, or when a child accidentally walks into a still-hot sparkler
Second place to sparklers are blast-related injuries. These can result in severe burns or amputations. Blast-related injuries are tougher to avoid as they often happen by surprise. Sometimes, fireworks can go off earlier than expected or “duds” can suddenly explode. When this happens, rogue shrapnel or sparks could fly directly into your eyes.
Tips for Staying Safe During the Holiday
Now that we know how these injuries can happen, here are some key tips to help you avoid getting burned.
- Maintain constant supervision – Make sure you or a responsible adult has an eye on anyone attempting to light a firework.
- Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children – Never allow children, 6 or younger, to get too close, play with or ignite fireworks.
- Wear protective goggles – You never know where a firework is going to fly. Wearing goggles is your best defense from sparks or shrapnel getting in your eyes.
- Keep your distance – When lighting any fireworks, always stand far enough away to avoid any potential mishaps. When handling a sparkler, always hold it at arm’s length and point it away from other people.
- Make sure your fireworks are legal – When you purchase fireworks, make sure that they are labeled for “consumer use,” not professional use.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby – No matter what, even if the person using the fireworks is of age, keep water close by in case of an emergency. Be sure to douse a firework even after it’s done to ensure it’s completely out.
- Never use fireworks while on drugs or alcohol – Drinking can be a common activity over the holiday weekend. But drinking and fireworks do not mix. Make sure someone of sound body and mind is handling the fireworks.
While there are many ways to have fun on the 4th of July, if you’re not careful, there are just as many ways to get hurt. Refer to these tips to ensure that your 4th of July weekend is a blast in the best (and safest) of ways.
Worried about missing out on the fireworks show due to blurry vision? Schedule an appointment at one of our four conveniently located clinics in the Las Vegas area to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
