Consumer fireworks are illegal in Illinois, but each year tens of thousands of residents are found testing the law, sometimes leading to severe burns and injuries and costly fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association:
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In 2013, 11,400 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms in the United States, an increase of 31 percent from 2012.
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Forty percent of those injuries occurred to children under the age of 15.
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In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires
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On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires, more than any other cause of fire.
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The risk of fire death relative to hours of usage is higher for fireworks than for cigarettes, making fireworks the riskiest consumer product
Although sparklers are legal for consumer use in Illinois, they too should be a major cause for concern because they burn at up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Each year, they cause burn injuries to more than 3,500 children and adults in the U.S.
"Sparklers are often viewed by the public as a 'safe' alternative to fireworks, so many adults place sparklers in the hands of children and are unaware of the dangers. The heat is enough to melt glass or even aluminum and easily causes third-degree burns to humans," states IFSA Executive Director Philip Zaleski.
"Independence Day should be a cause for celebration, but it should be celebrated in a safe manner that does not put people's health and lives at risk," adds Zaleski. "If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show that is operated by professionals."
To read more about the dangers of fireworks and sparklers, please visit www.IFSA.org/education-prevention/fireworks.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS FIRE SAFETY ALLIANCE: Since 1982, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been bringing together persons and groups with common interest in fire safety, burn prevention, and public education, and to promote programs and disseminate information related to fire safety and burn prevention. The IFSA also hosts burn survivor support programs including the Young Adult Summit and Camp "I Am Me," a unique weeklong camp for children who have experienced severe burn injuries. Additional information on the IFSA can be found at www.IFSA.org.
