 2003 ISPB Illinois Annual Fireworks Survey
In June of 2003, the Illinois Society for the Prevention of
Blindness contacted optometrists, ophthalmologists and
hospital emergency rooms state-wide to take part in its annual fireworks
survey. Through continued support the respondents make this survey
possible.
The survey results for 2003 showed that 70 percent of the eye-related
injuries were children and young adults through the age of 20. The
averaged percentages were as follows:
- under 11 years of age (35 percent)
- aged 11 through 20 (35 percent)
- aged 21 through 50 (23 percent)
- over 50 ( 4 percent)
- unspecified ( 4 percent)
The survey also showed that 62 percent of those treated for fireworks
eye injuries were males, 35 percent were females with 4 percent
unspecified. Bottle Rockets led the list for the third year in a row
at 23 percent, followed by sparklers and firecrackers equally divided at
12 percent each. Other types of fireworks reported including novelties (popper, spinner),
Cherry Bomb, Crazy Jack / Jumping Jack, Mortar/Fiesta Ball and
Professional Public Fireworks.
Varying degrees of injuries listed included corneal abrasions, erosion
and burns; retinal contusion; traumatic conjuctivitis; traumatic iritis;
retinal tear, detachment; hyphema; erythema and infection.
This year the ISPB's fireworks message is: Leave the display
fireworks to the professionals this 4th of July holiday.
Attending a municipal fireworks display is probably the safest way to
celebrate. Be aware, however, that injuries can occur to bystanders.
Keep a safe distance, obey the officials and local
laws - even regarding sparklers and novelties.
The ISPB joins the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the
National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) and others on educating the
public on fireworks safety.
Because of the risks for eye related and bodily injuries here are some
practical safety tips we would like to pass an:
- Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles
- Keep younger children
away from all
fireworks; older children should have
responsible adult supervision,
- Never make or use homemade fireworks.
- Never extend any part of the body over
lit fireworks.
- Never relight or handle malfunctioning
fireworks. Soak them in water and discard
them properly.
- Keep water nearby for emergencies. Immerse sparklers (which burn at
1800°F)
in water after they appear to be burned out.
- Be sure other
bystanders and pets are out
of range.
- Observe all state and local laws.
- In case of eye
injuries do not touch, rub or
press on the insured eye. Seek immediate
care from eye care professional or hospital
emergency rooms.
Through widespread media publicity and by
educating children and adults of the dangers
of fireworks, the ISPB,the CPSC and the NCFS
hope that the number of eye-related and bodily injuries will be reduced,
not only during this upcoming Fourth of July holiday and New Year's
Eve, but throughout the year. Source
The Visionary, Illinois Society for the
Prevention af Blindness, Spring-Summer 2004
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