U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center

The Dangers of Fireworks Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 5 - Issue 4

June 2005

TOPICAL FIRE RESEARCH SERIES

The Dangers of Fireworks

June 2005 Volume 5, Issue 4

Findings • Injuries from fireworks-most of which occur around the 4th of July-increased from

8,800 in 2002 to 9,300 in 2003. Over the past 13 years, however, the injury rate has

fallen 37%-from 4.3 to 3.2 injuries per 100,000 population.

• State laws regulating the sale of fireworks directly affect the occurrence of fireworks­

related injuries.

• Children under the age of 15 suffered 45% of all injuries from fireworks. Most injuries

(72%) are to males of all ages.

• Firecrackers were responsible for the greatest number of injuries (1,600) in 2003,

followed by bottle rockets (1,000) and sparklers (700).

• Because most fires ignited by fireworks are to outside property, the dollar loss to

these fires is substantially less than the dollar loss to structure fires.

It would be hard to imagine July 4th festivities in the United States without public displays of fireworks, and a number of other holidays, such ·as New Years, often call for big shows as well. But celebrations can become tragic when someone is injured by consumer fireworks. Despite federal and state regulations on the type of fireworks available for sale to the general public, even those fireworks that are sold legally carry an elevated risk of personal injury.

Fireworks are considered hazardous materials with the potential to cause serious injury. All fireworks are regulated by the Federal Hazardous Substance Act, which prohibits sale of the more dangerous types to the public to avoid injury and property damage. Among these banned products are large, reloadable mortar shells, cherry bombs, aerial bombs, M-80s, and large firecrackers with more than 2 grains of powder. Likewise, all mail order kits to construct fireworks are strictly prohibited. 1

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates fireworks that can be sold legally to consumers2

and is responsible for setting minimum standards, such as requiring firecrackers to have fuses that burn at least 3 seconds but not more than 9 seconds, and that all devices be sealed to prevent leakage of pyrotechnic material. Further, all legal fireworks must have labels with instructions for safe use, as well as warnings and precautions.

Although these regulations and standards have helped make consumer fireworks safer, all fireworks are potentially hazardous.3 For example, sparklers, which are legal in the majority of states, burn at temperatures of approximately 2,000°F.'Their colorful sparks belie the potential dangers, and yet sparklers are predominately used by young children.

Federal, state, and local Jaws govern the manufacture and sale of legal fireworks (Class C). As of March I, 2004, 3 7 states and the District of Columbia allowed some or all types of consumer fireworks, an increase of five states since January 200 I (Figure 1 ). Meanwhile six states allow only sparklers or other such novelties. Seven states ban all fireworks, including those allowed and regulated by the CPSC.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security• Federal Emergency Management Agency United States Fire Administration • National Fire Data Center

Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727 http://www.usfa.fema.gov/inside-usfa/nfdc/pubs/tfrs.shtm

1

FIGURE 1. STATE REGULATIONS OF

CONSUMER FIREWORKS

STATES THAT PERMIT CONSUMER FIREWORKS

Alabama Montana

Alaska Nebraska

Arkansas New Hampshire

California New Mexico

Colorado Nevada

Connecticut North Carolina

District of Columbia North Dakota

Florida Oklahoma

Hawaii Oregon

Idaho South Carolina

Indiana South Dakota

Kansas Tennessee

Kentucky Texas

Louisiana Utah

Maryland Virginia

Michigan Washington

Minnesota West Virginia

Mississippi Wisconsin

Missouri Wyoming

STATES THAT ALLOW ONLY SPARKLERS

Illinois

Iowa

Maine

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Vermont

STATES THAT BAN ALL CONSUMER FIREWORKS

Arizona

Delaware

Georgia

New Jersey

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

New York

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Previous studies have indicated that state laws regulating the sale of fireworks directly affect the occurrence of fireworks-related injuries. In one state, the number of injuries seen in emergency departments more than doubled following the legalization of fireworks. 5

INJURIES FROM FIREWORKS

In 2003, firework devices caused approximately 9,300 injuries, an increase from 8,800 injuries in 2002. 6·

7

The vast majority of these injuries are associated with Independence Day celebrations. CPSC estimated that 6,800 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries during the I -month period surrounding July 4th (June 20-July 20, 2003). There were six deaths from consumer fireworks reported that year. 8

According to National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) survey data, CPSC estimated that nearly half of all fireworks-related injuries ( 45%) were suffered by children under age IS. 9 Males were disproportionately injured by fireworks (72%) with almost three times as many males as females (28%) injured. The large majority of fireworks injuries occurred with consumer products. CPSC also reported that of the estimated 9,300 fireworks injuries in 2003, only a small number of injuries-I 00-occurred at public fireworks events.

2

Burns were by far the most common form of injury. Burn injuries typically occurred to all parts of the body (Figure 2). Hands are the body pares most often injured, accounting for 1,800 of the hospital visits in the I-month NEISS study period around July 4th, 2003. Eyes followed with 1,400 visits, and then heads/faces/ears and legs with 1 , 2 0 0 emergency visits each.

FIGURE 2. ESTIMATED FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES

BY BODY PART AND DIAGNOSIS (JUNE 20-JULY 20, 2003)

I Body Part Total Burns Contusions, Lacerations

Arm/Shoulder 500 300 100

Eye 1,400 400 500

Hand/Finger 1,800 1,600 100

Head/Face/Ear 1,200 500 400

Leg 1,200 1,000 100

Trunk 800 500 200

Total 6,800 4,300 1,200

Notes: Other diagnoses includes all injury categories. Estimates rounded to nearest 100 injuries. Estimates of less than 50 injuries shown with an asterisk (*). Totals may not add due to rounding.

Fractures, Sprains

*

*

*

*

100

*

100

Source: U.S. Consume, Ptoduct Safety commission, ·2003 Fireworks Annual Report,· NEISS.

PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH INJURIES

Other Diagnoses

*

500

100

300

100

100

1,200 I

Of all consumer fireworks, firecrackers were responsible for the greatest number of injuries. In 2003, CPSC estimated I, 600 injuries from firecrackers associated with Independence Day celebrations. Bottle rockets injured 1,000 persons, and sparklers injured another 700.

Of the estimated 700 fireworks injuries to children under 5 years of age, 400 (57%) were caused by sparklers between June 20 and July 20, 2003. Among children 5-14 years of age, firecrackers and bottle rockets resulted in 800 of the 2,400 injuries (33%). Rockets (bottle and other types) alone accounted for 500 of the 1,800 (28%) injuries to persons aged 15-24.

Fireworks sales have been increasing according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. In 2000, fireworks sales totaled $610 million and by 2004 had increased to $77 5 million. 10 Meanwhile, with the exception of a spike in injuries in 2000, which is likely explained by more extensive celebrations associated with the millennium, the firework injury rate has declined since 1991 (Figure 3). Overall, the injury rate has fallen 3 7% since 1991 and appears to have recently leveled off at about 3 per 100,000 persons each year. It is possible that this trend is due to the increasing popularity of large, public, professionally executed fireworks displays, which use thousands of pounds of fireworks and rarely cause injuries.

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FIGURE 3. ESTIMATED FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES

Year Estimated Fireworks- Fireworks Injury

Related Injuries Rate*

1991 10,900 4.3

1992 12,500 4.9

1993 12,100 4.6

1994 12,500 4.8

1995 10,900 4.1

1996 7,300 2.7

1997 8,300 3.0

1998 8,500 3.1

1999 8,500 3.1

2000 11,000 3.9

2001 9,500 3.3

2002 8,800 3.0

2003 9,300 3.2

*Injuries per 100,000 people Notes: Estimates based on 291 fireworks-related injuries recorded by NEISS in 2003.

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission, �2003 Fireworks Annual Report,� NEISS.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. population estimates from 1991-1999

from http:/ /eire.census.gov/popest/data/nationalftables/i ntercensaljUS·EST901NT-04.php;

population projections for 2000- 2003 from http:/ /eire.census.gov/popesVda ta/states/tables/NST-EST2003·01.xls

Even declining trends cannot mask the issue that fireworks remain dangerous. Each year, many people are injured and some are killed by fireworks. The following 2003 deaths illustrate the problems: 11

A 2-year-old child died in Florida from smoke inhalation from a fire that was started in the laundry room of a mobile home. The fire started when a 3-year-old child lit combustibles with a sparkler.

Leaning over a pipe where he placed a commercial-type firework projectile, a 38-year-old man in Iowa was killed when he lit the fuse.

Attempting to block the wind around a launching tube, an 18-year-old man was fatally injured in Michigan

when lighting a mortar-type firework.

FIRES CAUSED BY FIREWORKS

The following discussion is based on 2002 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS, version 5.0) data and reflects injuries, fatalities, and fire loss associated only with the fires caused by fireworks. These losses differ from the figures presented earlier that reflect injuries, fatalities, and property loss caused directly by fireworks.

An estimated 23,200 fireworks fires in 2002 caused approximately 5535 million in property loss and injured 7 5 persons. 12· 13 No deaths were reported in the NFIRS data. Most fires are clustered around Independence Day, New Year's Eve, and other holidays or celebrations.

Fifty-nine percent of fires caused by fireworks occur around the Independence Day holiday on July 4th (Figure 4), often in open fields or vacant lots. As such, the materials most commonly ignited (68%) by fireworks are organic materials such as grass and trees. Grass alone was the first material ignited in 47% of all fireworks fires. 14 Because these types of fires are located outdoors, they have a relatively low property loss (Figure 5).

4

...

C:

FIGURE 4. 2002 FIREWORKS FIRES BY MONTH (percent)

� 300------------------------t Q) C.

o L.....::::i:=::i:::=:::i::=i.......--1-_i....__i_...:::::::t:=:::::c:=C:::::::=:J

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Source; NFIRS 5.0

FIGURE 5. 2002 LOSS MEASURES FROM FIREWORKS

Loss Measure

$ Loss/Fire

lnjuries/1,000 Fires

Fatalities/1,000 Fires

All Fires Fireworks Fires

$7,447 $1,841

20.8 5.1

2.8 0.0

Note: Estimates based on fires with heat sources reported.

Source; NFIRS 5.0

Property loss is substantially less in fireworks fires than in other types of fires because most fireworks fires occur outside, where the fires do less damage and cause lower dollar replacement value than structure fires.

Given the high number of children injured by fireworks, it is not surprising that the most common ignition factor for fires related to fireworks is playing with the heat source ( 4 2 % ) . Playing with the heat source is the ignition factor in one-third of the property losses due to fireworks fires and 50% of fireworks-related injuries. The larger ignition factor category of misuse of the heat of ignition includes abandoned materials, heat source too close to combustibles, as well as playing with the heat source, and accounts for the vast majority of fires (86%), injuries (90%), and property loss (89%). 15

CONCLUSION

Fireworks account for a substantial number of preventable injuries and fires. Because fireworks can be dangerous and deadly, the safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities over July 4th or at other times during the year. Parents need to be especially vigilant during this period in assuring that children do not possess dangerous fireworks or mishandle legal ones.

To request additional information or comment on this report, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/feedback

5

Notes:

l. Fireworks Publication# 12, Consumer Product Safety Commission, March 2004, http:/ /www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/O I 7..pd(

2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Compliance, Summary of Fireworks Regulations, 16 C.F.R. Part 1500 & 1507.

3. Fireworks Publication # 12, Joe. cit.4. "CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington,'' Press Release, CPSC, June 28, 2000, http://wvvw.cpsc.

gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhcm IO I /01179.hunl. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Serious Eye Injuries Associated With Fireworks, United States 1990-1994,"

Morbidity and MortolityWeekly Report, 1995; 44; 449-452. 6. Michael A. Greene and James Joholske, "2003 Fireworks Annual Report, Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Deparunent­

Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2003 ," Consumer Product Safety Commission.7. One hundred people died and 200 were injured in a nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, ignited by nonconswner

fireworks. These numbers are not included in this report. 8. Michael A. Greene, Joe. cit. 9. Idem.I 0. Monique Stuart, "Fireworks Sales," The Washington Times, http://washtimes .com/culture/20040616-094306-2607r.htm. I 1. Michael A. Greene, lac cit. 12. Loss estimates are based on 2002 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data and national residential structure fire

loss estimates from the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) Fire Loss in the United States During 2002. Fireworks fire loss estimates are rounded as follows: fires to the nearest 100 fires; injuries to the nearest 25 injuries, and dollar loss to the nearest $million.

13. Fireworks fire loss estimates are based on the total number ofNFIRS fires in 7.007. for which the heat source was knov.'11 andon NFPA's Fire Loss in the United States During 2002. Approximately 4 2 % of fires in NFJRS reported a heat source. If thefireworks estimates were based on all reported fires, including those with unknown heat sources, the estimates of firework fire losses would decrease co 9,700 fires, 50 injuries, and S 19 million in dollar loss.

14. Distribution statistics are based on data from the NFIRS 2002. At the time of this report, NFIRS continues to transition from version 4.1 to 5.0. Due to issues related to accurately converting version 4.1 data to version 5.0, this report is based on datareported only in version 5. 0.

15. Statistics for ignition factors reflect those fires for which a factor was noted as contributing to the ignition of the fire. Sixty-five percent of firework-related fires have a factor contributing to ignition, 18% indicate that no factor contributed to ignition, and 1 7% had no factor specified.

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Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks

U.S. Fire I A -

Administration � _' :_ -

Page 1 of 2

Focus on Fire Safety Archives

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Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks

For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun,

vacations, and the gathering of family and friends, but Independence Day

can also bring tragedy. In a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported on

July 4 than on any other day and fireworks account for half of those fires.

Sparklers, firecrackers, and rockets are the leading contributors to these

injuries. Because most fireworks injuries are preventable, everyone can

enjoy a safe and happy holiday by following a few fireworks safety tips.

Who is at Most Risk?

In 2008, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000

people for fireworks-related injuries. 70% of these injuries occurred

between June 20 - July 20. Of these:

• 46% of injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the

head.

• 56% were burns, while 21% were contusions and lacerations.

• Two of 5 people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.

• 62% of injuries were to males; 38% were to females.

By the Numbers: Fireworks

30,100

7,000

Estimated number of fires

caused by fireworks each year

Estimated number of injuries

caused by fireworks in 2008

7 Fireworks-related deaths

occurred in 2008

$34 million Amount of direct property loss

caused by fireworks

Sources: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Consumer

Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

• Devices such as sparklers, fountains, roman candles, and novelties accounted for 40% of injuries; firecrackers caused 18%

of injuries.

Download Adobe Acrobat (PPF�p <htto'{lwww usra dhs aovthe101odt.shtm)

-J:. 2008 Fireworks Annual Report: Fireworks-Related Deaths. Emergency Department-Treated Injuries. and Enforcement

Activities During 2008 Chtto:1twww usra.dhs aovhtto:f/www.cosc.aov/1ibrarv12oosrwreoort.odfl (PDF, 300 Kb)

This report provides the results of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff analysis of data on non-occupational

fireworks-related deaths and injuries during 2008.

How and Why Do These Injuries Occur?

• Availability: In spite of federal regulations and varying state prohibitions, many types of fireworks are still accessible to

the public. Distributors often sell fireworks near state borders, where laws prohibiting sales on either side of the border

may differ.

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/ 7/14/2009

Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks

• Fireworks type: Among the various types of fireworks, some ofwhich are sold legally in some states, bottle rockets can fly intopeoples' faces and cause eye injuries; sparklers can igniteclothing (sparklers burn at more than 1,000°F); and firecrackerscan injure the hands or face if they explode at close range.

• Being too close: Injuries may result from being too close to

Page 2 of2

Did You Know?

The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than

1,200 degrees - this is hot enough to cause third degree

burns.

fireworks when they explode; for example, when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited, or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person.

• Lack of physical coordination: Younger children often lack the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely.

• Curiosity: Children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of being injured (for example, when they re-examine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite).

• Experimentation: Homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.

What Can I Do?

Did You Know? • The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at

home - period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 1,800°

Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) - hot enough to melt gold.

92% of the fireworks injuries treated in hospital

emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal

regulations permit consumers to use.

• Steer clear of others - fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

Download Focus on Fire Safety Poster Artwork Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Help Chtto:11ww1·,.u,ra.dhs oov1h,101og, sh,mJ

°'.t•Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks Cbtto:11www.u,ra dhs.oovfdown1oadsfodr1rocus1;u1 2009 nrewo,,, ogn (PDF, 302 Kb) Download and customize this poster for local use.

Related Publications ( Download, Adobe Acrobat (PDF} Help rhttQ'//www usra.dhs.aovthe101odf.shtm1)

• Topical Fire Report Series: The Dangers of Fireworks Chttp1fwww.u,ra.dhs.oovtdown1oadsfodr1ttrsM1<.odQ (PDF, 148 Kb)

Links of Interest

• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Fact Sheet {http://www.usfa dhs.oovhttp://,n;1·1.ccsc.oov/CPSCPUBIPUBS/Ol2.html)

• National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Fireworks-Related Injuries (htto·11www.usfa.dhs.aovhtto://www.cdc.aov/HomeandRecreationalSafetv/Flrewockslfireworks-factsheet html]

• Nationa I Fi re Protection Association: Fi reworks (http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/googbyg.jsp?ur1�http:lfwww .nfpa.org/categoryUst.asp?categoryID= 297)

Last Reviewed: July 1, 2009

U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727

(301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/ citizens/focus/ 7/14/2009