The Fourth Annual Stop Blindness Fireworks Security Consciousness Week Runs From June 28 to July 4, 2024

(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO — Stop Blindness, the nation’s main nonprofit eye well being and security group, has declared June 28-July 4, 2024, because the Fourth Annual Fireworks Security Consciousness Week in an effort to coach the general public on the risks of fireworks. Based on the U.S. Shopper Product Security Fee’s (CPSC) “2023 Fireworks Annual Report,” fireworks units had been concerned in an estimated 6,400 accidents handled in U.S. hospital emergency departments across the Independence Day vacation, from June 16-July 16, 2023.

The CPSC additionally reported that there have been 8 non-occupational, fireworks-related deaths throughout 2023. 5 of the deaths had been related to firework misuse; two deaths had been related to a tool misfire/malfunction; and the circumstances surrounding one incident are unknown.

The CPSC 2023 Fireworks Annual Report additionally discovered that:

• The components of the physique most frequently injured had been fingers and fingers (an estimated 35 % of the handled accidents); adopted by the top, face, and ears (an estimated 22 %); eyes (an estimated 19 %); trunk/different areas (an estimated 11 %); legs (an estimated 8 %); and arms (an estimated 5 %).
• An estimated 42 % of the emergency department-treated accidents had been burns. Burns had been the most typical harm to fingers and fingers; head, face, and ears; arm; and leg areas.
• Of the 1,200 reported eye accidents, 400 had been contusions/lacerations, 200 had been burns, and 600 had been identified as “different.”
• There have been an estimated 800 emergency department-treated accidents related to firecrackers and 700 with sparklers.
• Victims 15 to 19 years of age had the best estimated charge of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related accidents. Kids 5 to 9 years of age had the second highest estimated charge.

To assist educate the general public on the risks of fireworks, Stop Blindness affords a devoted webpage, free downloadable truth sheets and shareable social media graphics. For households, Stop Blindness affords artistic fireworks alternate options for secure celebrations.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns {that a} latest examine confirmed that 65 % of individuals injured by fireworks are bystanders. Even these attending skilled shows needs to be cautious to keep away from critical firework accidents.

“The Fourth of July needs to be a day spent celebrating with household and mates, not in an emergency room,” stated Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Stop Blindness. “Depart the fireworks to the professionals, and keep in mind to remain vigilant, even throughout licensed fireworks shows.”

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For extra info on the risks of fireworks or for concepts on find out how to have fun safely with out fireworks, go to right here.