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

USE ONLY LOW-POWERED FIREWORKS AT HOME, LEAVE MAJOR ONES TO PROS

Question: My children have been trying to convince me that they are old enough to have fireworks this 4th of July. I'm worried that they may get hurt. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Your concern for your children's safety is justified. Most states have laws restricting the sale, possession or use of fireworks. These laws have been written because of injuries produced by fireworks. Fireworks are best enjoyed as a spectator. If you or your children decide to set some off at your home, there are a few things which you should keep in mind.

Injuries from fireworks are usually due to burns, explosions, flying fragments or from falls in the dark. The location you choose for your fireworks should not be near any combustible materials, and the surface should be free of obstacles so that your risk of tripping and falling in the dark is minimized. You should always select light-colored clothing to help prevent someone else from accidentally running into you, and the material should be safe around sparks. All fireworks require "fire" so caution must be used to prevent burns.

In Ohio, and about 20 other states, the only fireworks which are legal are those that will NOT go "BANG." Sparklers, smoke bombs and snakes are about all that is okay. With these, the major danger is from burns or falls. The wire inside a sparkler gets very hot as the sparkler burns. The wire stays hot after the sparkler has burned out, but young children often don't realize this until they grab that hot wire and burn their hand.

The fireworks laws are not strictly enforced in many areas. This is unfortunate because the explosive force necessary to make a "BANG" or to propel a rocket into the sky can cause serious damage if it goes off while still in someone's hand. An obvious method for prevention of these injuries is to never light a firework while it is in a person’s hand--including your own. Put the firework in a proper holder or on a solid surface. Light the fuse, preferably with a long match, then run-run-run.

Remember that skyrockets and other fireworks go up into the air. Fuses are unpredictable, and sometimes they will set off the skyrocket in an instant instead of allowing the usual several seconds delay. If you are leaning over the rocket when this happens, the rocket goes into you instead of into the sky. Stand to the side of the firework and use that long match.

Firecrackers are a perennial favorite because that "BANG" is exciting, and it sure gets everyone's attention. But firecrackers are not all fun. Those which use a small amount of powder will make a nice bang and cause only a burn if they go off in the hand. Larger firecrackers will blow fingers to pieces. If the firecracker is lit on a gravel driveway, it will send gravel shrapnel when it goes off.

I like fireworks, but we shouldn’t let the excitement about them overrule our judgment. We still need to use sensible safety precautions. The first thing to do is review your state's laws about fireworks with your children, and then don’t use any firework that’s illegal. If they were my children, I’d make sure they had the proper training and supervision to use low-powered fireworks safely. Then, we’d leave the major fireworks to the professionals. If you use proper precautions, there's no reason why this Independence Day can't be a safe and exciting time for you and your family.

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.