How to Play it Safe Around Fireworks

June 26, 2003 — -- Patriotism and pyrotechnics can be a dangerous mix when it comes to using illegal fireworks or legal ones improperly on the Fourth of July.

In 2002, hospital emergency rooms treated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries. This is down from 9,500 people in 2001, but still way too high for safety experts.

Sparklers, a popular choice for people of all ages, may seem harmless, but they are not, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The dazzling, hand-held fireworks actually burn at temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause third-degree burns. They were the top cause of injuries last year — 50 percent higher than even firecrackers, CPSC officials say.

The commission also warns against carrying around legal fireworks in your pocket, bag or on your body. Both intentional and accidental lighting of fireworks on or near your person can result in burns.

M-80's, a type of firework that has been banned under federal law since 1966, pack a bunch of power, and are dangerous, to boot, especially if someone is trying to light one and throw it. They can blow your hand, foot and fingers right off, the CPSC says.

In fact, loss of fingers and hands accounted for more than half of fireworks injuries. The burn rate of the fuse can vary from several seconds to just a few. Even if you think you have plenty of time to light one and toss, it, it could go off right in your hand. The even more powerful, and also illegal, M-1000 is equivalent to a quarter stick of dynamite.

Highly explosive M-80's, cherry bombs, and quarter sticks have been banned under Federal law since 1966.