CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2000
Release # 00-130 		CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles or Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7052 or 1183

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 National Mall to demonstrate the dangers of sparklers and some illegal fireworks, 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 can also turn a backyard celebration into a rush to the emergency room," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown.

In 1999, hospital emergency rooms treated about 8,500 people for fireworks-related injuries. About 45 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.

"Detonating these devices is best left to the professionals, because even fireworks that seem innocent can cause serious injury," said Brown. "For example, sparklers, that are often used by young children, 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 by Federal law since 1966. Working with the U.S. Customs Service since 1988, CPSC has seized or detained more than 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.

CPSC advises consumers to leave fireworks to the professionals. But if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips: