Ask the Pediatrician: Tips for Fourth of July fireworks safety
Published in Health & Fitness
Wave a flag (or glow stick) instead of a sparkler. Sparklers may seem relatively harmless, as fireworks go. But according to the CPSC, nearly half of fireworks injuries to children under age 5 are related to sparklers. Surprised? Consider this:
Sparklers burn at an extremely high heat: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
Sparks can ignite clothing on fire and cause eye injuries.
Touching a lit sparkler to skin can result in third-degree burns.
There were about 700 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers in 2023. Roughly 800 injuries were related to firecrackers.
Remember that even if fireworks are legal to purchase and use in your community, they are not safe around children. Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about safely enjoying fireworks displays.
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About Dr. Feeney
S. Nichole Holzhauer-Feeney, MD, FAAP, is a board certified pediatrician and emergency physician at Grand River Hospital in Rifle, CO. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Colorado chapter, and serves as a state immunization representative. She also serves on the Colorado State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council.
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