With the Fourth of July approaching, Dr. Nichole Holzhauer-Feeney, a board-certified pediatrician and emergency physician, urges parents to prioritize safety when it comes to fireworks. While it may seem like a fun idea to light fireworks in the backyard, statistics show that thousands of people, especially children and teens, are injured each year while using fireworks.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported eight deaths and around 9,700 injuries related to fireworks in 2023, with teenagers and young children being the most affected age groups. Injuries commonly involve burns to the hands, fingers, head, face, ears, and eyes. To prevent accidents, Dr. Holzhauer-Feeney recommends leaving fireworks to trained professionals and enjoying public fireworks displays from a safe distance of at least 500 feet.
She also warns of the dangers of sparklers, which can burn at temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and cause severe injuries to children. In 2023, approximately 700 emergency department-treated injuries were associated with sparklers, while firecrackers accounted for roughly 800 injuries.
For areas where fireworks displays are canceled due to dry conditions or risk of wildfires, Dr. Holzhauer-Feeney suggests considering alternative options such as laser or drone light shows. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of checking local regulations regarding safe outdoor activities and events.
Ultimately, Dr. Holzhauer-Feeney’s message is clear: prioritize safety over fireworks fun this Fourth of July to prevent unnecessary injuries and protect your child’s well-being.
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