Protect Your Vision: Essential Fireworks Safety Tips for Independence Day Celebrations

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, marked by fireworks displays that light up the night sky across the nation. While dazzling and awe-inspiring, fireworks pose significant risks if not handled with care.

In 2022, the most recent year that data is available, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission identified over 10,000 fireworks-related injuries and even 11 fireworks-related deaths. Even sparklers, which much of the public would consider relatively safe, caused 1,400 emergency department-treated injuries. The fact is that sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—nearly 10 times hotter than boiling water.

Children younger than 15 years old accounted for 36 percent of the estimated injuries. Also, according to a 5-year study published in 2017, bystanders made up a majority of those injured (65%) by fireworks. Just because you aren’t the person handling the fireworks doesn’t mean you’re out of harm’s way.

Eye injuries can be particularly devastating because they combine extreme force, high temperatures, and various caustic chemicals. They can lead to burns, corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, and even open globe injuries, all of which can lead to permanent damage and vision loss.

While fireworks are often marketed similarly to toys for children, my advice would be to leave it to the professionals. We have an awful lot to celebrate on Independence Day. It should be a fun, safe celebration for everyone.

If you do decide to use consumer fireworks, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends carefully following these tips:

• Wear eye protection.
• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Children may not understand the danger involved with fireworks, and may not act appropriately while using the devices or in case of emergency.
• Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning or "dud" fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Observe local laws (the City of Dubuque prohibits the use of fireworks).
• Never let any body part hover directly over a firework while lighting.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

Keep in mind this holiday (and always) that if an accident happens and you need advice, our 24-Hour Help Nurses are just a phone call away. These nurses are available to assist Medical Associates Clinic patients and Medical Associates Health Plan members who have health-related questions, need medical advice, or need to reach a Medical Associates physician. Click here to learn more.

Timothy Daley, MD
Eye Care Department
Medical Associates Clinic

Eye Care Department

Sources:
www.aao.org
www.cpsc.gov