By Aaliyah Jenkins | Baton Rouge – 2025/07/02 10:31:32

Americans across the nation will celebrate Independence Day on July 4th,frequently enough with fireworks and sparklers. While festive, these can be risky if mishandled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that eight people died and nearly 10,000 were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023[[CPSC injury stats, NFPA Fireworks Safety].

Dr.Jesse Bracamonte, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic, advises families to exercise caution when using fireworks.

“Fourth of July firework injuries can be relatively common, notably chemical burns from the firework itself. People must understand a firework is an explosive. Common injuries include hand injuries, eye injuries, and sometimes skin surface burns,” says Dr.Bracamonte.

Of the burns and injuries reported in 2023, teenagers had the highest rate of emergency department visits due to fireworks, followed by children ages 5 to 9, according to the CPSC. All fireworks, including sparklers, pose potential dangers.

“If families are going to partake in firework activities, they must exercise extreme caution. These are highly explosive and can cause burns. If they are going to do that, make sure it’s in a safe place, that it’s an adult handling the fireworks and have experience with the proper tools,” says Dr. Bracamonte. “I would highly advise that everyone use extreme caution and that no children be allowed to play with fireworks due to the explosive nature and the risk for injury.”

What to do in case of fireworks injury

If you or a family member experiences a burn or accident, take immediate action to ensure prompt treatment if necessary.

“It’s important to make sure that the person is safe and that the areas are cleansed with water immediately. And that, if necessary, you seek emergency evaluation. Fireworks are not just generally fire, it’s also a chemical and an explosive. Thus, the injury can be double-fold with a fire injury and a chemical burn,” he adds.

Tips to avoid injuries from fireworks

discuss fireworks and sparkler safety with your children, and follow these guidelines:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Always have adult supervision.
• Wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
• don’t point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• watch them from a safe distance.

“Fireworks are explosive. they contain chemicals and heat, a deadly combination that can cause serious injury. It’s critically important to have a conversation with children, knowing that when children are out, different activities may ensue.It’s important that they are appropriately educated about the risks of playing with fireworks,” says Dr. Bracamonte.