By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

SPARKLERS CAN BE DANGEROUS FIREWORKS, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN

Question: Last year on the 4th of July weekend, my 7-year-old daughter’s best friend was taken to the emergency room with a bad burn on her hand from a sparkler. Most people think of these as “safe fireworks.” Please tell your readers about the possible dangers. Thanks.

Answer: You are absolutely right that parents and other adults need to be very cautious about letting young children use any kind of fireworks -- even sparklers, smoke bombs and snakes. In fact, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, sparklers are the cause of about 11 percent of all fireworks injuries and the most common cause of firework injury to children under 5.

Even though sparklers don’t go “BOOM,” the wire inside gets very hot as the sparkler burns. The wire stays hot long after the sparkler has burned out, but young children often don't realize this until they grab that hot wire and burn their hand. This can also happen to older children or adults who are careless.

In terms of overall fireworks injuries, a 2004 study found that in the previous year 9,300 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. About 5 percent of these injuries required hospitalization. The same study revealed that children ages 5 to 9 have the highest injury rate and that about two thirds of those injured are male.

Statistically, firecrackers are the most dangerous firework. They account for about a 24 percent of fireworks injuries, followed closely by bottle rockets at 11 percent. It’s important to remember that firecrackers contain gunpowder. They can explode with great force. While small firecrackers will only cause a burn if they go off in the hand, larger firecrackers will blow fingers to pieces. If a firecracker is lit on a gravel driveway, it will send gravel shrapnel flying in every direction when it goes off. That’s why it’s important to place firecrackers on a safe surface, like a concrete driveway, when lighting them.

Eye injuries are especially common with bottle rockets. These small, rocket-like projectiles get their name because they are often launched from pop bottles. Bottle rockets and other fireworks can also hit objects like cars or buildings and ricochet in unpredictable ways.

Most states allow some form of fireworks to be sold. But just because the products are legal does not mean they are safe. Even in states like Ohio that limit fireworks use to the so-called “safer fireworks,” injures can and do occur.

If you want to celebrate this year’s Independence Day holiday with fireworks, I suggest you go to a professionally presented fireworks display. These kinds of shows are far more entertaining than what you can put on in your back yard, and they’re also much safer.

If it’s legal in your state and you insist on shooting off fireworks yourself, use common sense. Find an area free of obstructions or combustible objects. Light the fireworks with long matches and then run away before they explode, spew forth fireballs, or take off. Supervise children carefully, and never, ever shoot fireworks off toward other people.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.