In the wake of an 18 per cent increase in fireworks-related injuries last year, government safety officials have increased their surveillance of fireworks devices being imported into the U.S. for Independence Day. Their intent is to restrict the distribution of illegal fireworks which are explosive enough to severely injure consumers.
Officials at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have enlisted the aid of U.S. Customs inspectors to check shipping manifests for three types of fireworks devices manufactured in mainland China. These devices either contain more than the permissible amount of powder charge for firecrackers or they have dangerous fuses.
Customs agents have agreed to contact CPSC investigators if they discover "Small Festival Balls," "Flashing Thunder Aerial Reports" or "Flashing Thunder Roman Candles." CPSC may block the importation and sales of these illegal fireworks under federal laws which have been in effect since 1976.
These regulations limit the maximum powder charge in firecrackers for consumer use to 50 milligrams (.77 grains or less than 1/8th teaspoon)? They also set performance and labeling requirements for common fireworks devices other than firecrackers. CPSC is urging consumers celebrating Independence Day with fireworks to purchase only "Class C" devices and to exercise caution in their use.
Last year fireworks injured more than 9,400 people seriously enough to necessitate treatment in hospital emergency rooms -- an 18 per cent increase over 1979. Most of those injured were children and youths from five to 20 years old whose hands, faces and eyes were harmed most frequently.
In 1979, approximately 8,000 people sought emergency care because of injuries from fireworks and firecrackers. CPSC staff believes most injuries occur as a result of improper use of fireworks rather than defects or malfunctions.
CPSC recommends that consumers learn the fireworks laws of their state and local municipality. Some laws allow all "Class C" fireworks; others allow only "sparklers" and "snakes"; and others ban all "Class C" fireworks.
In addition, CPSC advises consumers to take the following precautions when using fireworks:
- Make sure that there is a manufacturer's label on all fireworks, and instructions for proper use. Illegally manufactured fireworks rarely have either.
- Store fireworks in a dry, cool place and avoid rough handling which might damage the fuses.
- Provide adult supervision for children and do not allow very young children to handle fireworks.
- Light fireworks only outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry brush or anything which might ignite, and keep water available.
- Light only one device at a time.
- Soak malfunctioning devices with water to prevent their possible future use.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
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