CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) held a press conference today on the Mall to demonstrate the dangers associated with sparklers, bottle rockets, and some illegal devices, including M-80s and salutes. Improper use of fireworks or use of illegal fireworks can result in deaths, blindings, amputations and severe burns.

"Fireworks can add fun and excitement to a holiday celebration, but they also can turn a backyard celebration into a rush to the emergency room," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "In 1998, hospital emergency rooms treated about 8,500 people for fireworks related injuries. About 40 percent of the victims were children under age 15. Injuries over the last 3 years, however, were lower than they had been in previous years - a decrease of about one-third since 1994."

"As we near the year 2000, more of us than ever before will celebrate with fireworks," said Brown. "These devices are best left to the professionals, because even those that seem innocent can cause serious injury. For example, young children should never use sparklers because they burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit."

As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC prevents large numbers of hazardous fireworks from reaching consumers. Illegal mail order kits contain chemical mixtures that can explode unexpectedly and violently. M-80s, cherry bombs and quarter sticks are so highly explosive that they have been banned since 1966. Working with the U.S. Customs Service since 1988, CPSC has seized or detained over 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.

To reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks, CPSC offers the following guidelines for safety, but recommends leaving fireworks to the professionals.

• Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.