In the wake of the events of September 11th, many Americans are planning to display their patriotism on the Fourth of July in a big way. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) used a press conference on the National Mall to urge consumers to celebrate safely by not purchasing illegal fireworks and by adhering to CPSC safety tips on using legal ones. The Commission demonstrated the explosive force of illegal fireworks and showed the hazards of legal fireworks and sparklers, when used by young children or when used in an unsafe manner. Commission data reveal the result can be a severe burn, blinding, amputation, and even death.
"We all want to spend our Fourth of July with family and friends, not in the emergency room," Acting Chairman Thomas Moore told reporters. "Never buy illegal fireworks such as M-80s or purchase professional, display fireworks, sometimes sold illegally to consumers. Also, too many people are injured by firecrackers placed in metal or glass containers or thrown at another person."
An analysis (pdf) prepared by CPSC staff reveals that last year (2001), hospital emergency rooms treated about 9500 people for fireworks-related injuries. The number of injuries has decreased significantly from the highs of 1992-94, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. From 1994 to 2001, the number of fireworks injuries fell by one fourth, from 12,500 to 9,500.
"Young children and fireworks don't mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to little ones," Moore told reporters. "Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit."
As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC prevents millions of hazardous fireworks from reaching consumers. Fireworks that are banned and often seized under the program include illegal mail order kits containing 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.
If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
Consumers can also view a video clip showing the destructive power of fireworks (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.
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.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our email alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn and Truth Social.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
- Contact a media specialist.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800