Preventing eye injuries from fireworks.
Celebrating Independence day (aka: the 4th of July) in America is an exciting time filled with backyard barbecues, bonfires, boating, and beautiful firework displays. Even though we will be enjoying the holiday in many traditional ways, we still need to keep in mind the importance of safety in being around fireworks of any kind.
Fireworks were involved in an estimated 12,900 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2017.
- 36% of fireworks injuries were to children under age 15.
- Children 10 to 14 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries.
- There were an estimated 1,200 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 300 with bottle rockets.
The best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with ANY fireworks. This includes sparklers too. Protect yourself, your family and your friends by avoiding fireworks. With that said, “Prevent Blindness.org warns that there is no safe way for non-professionals to use fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.” This probably feels like a downer for all of you firework enthusiasts, however you can still enjoy the splendor and excitement of a fireworks celebration, but just leave the handling of the fireworks display to the professionals.
We hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July!
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Source: www.preventblindness.org/prevent-eye-injuries-fireworks