Most common fireworks injuries are to hands, eyes and face, records show
Around 200 Americans may end up in the emergency room this Independence Day because of injuries related to consumer fireworks, if last year is an indication.
In 2015, 217 people were injured by fireworks during the month of July, accounting for 73% of all such injuries for the year, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.
The majority of those injuries occur in the days leading up to and after the Fourth of July.
In Los Angeles and Orange counties, fireworks sales and use are prohibited in some cities but allowed in others.
Nationwide for 2015, a total of 74 hands, 42 eyes and 27 fingers were harmed by fireworks. Eight of the 286 injuries were reported to affect “all parts of body.â€
Firework injuries affect those of all ages. The report notes several elderly people injuring themselves when startled by fireworks and falling, alongside some thermal injuries: A 68-year-old woman suffered burns after a mortar landed in her lap.
More younger people tend to be harmed, with more than three-quarters of the injuries being suffered by people under 35.
The injury surveillance system, maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, tracks injuries involving consumer products.
Wheaton writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
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