|
Columbus, OH (June 30, 2025) – As Ohioans prepare for July 4th celebrations, Prevent Blindness Ohio (PBO) wants the public to be aware of the dangers of fireworks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks devices were involved in 11 deaths and an estimated 14,700 injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2024. This reflects a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries compared to 2023. An estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries involved sparklers.
The CPSC states that in 2024, out of the 14,700 fireworks injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, an estimated 22% were to the head, face and ears. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), in the most severe cases, fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment — all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.
Prevent Blindness Ohio urges the public to attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, and reminds everyone to be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends those attending professional displays to respect safety barriers, follow all safety instructions, and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away. All users and bystanders should wear eye protection that meets the criteria set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). And finally, do not touch unexploded fireworks; instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments to help.
In the event of an eye injury, Prevent Blindness Ohio makes the following recommendations:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or make the injury worse.
- Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
- Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye are just two tips. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including a person’s hand, is the goal.
- Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the person to the emergency room at once – this is more important than stopping for a pain reliever.
- Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, 49 states plus the District of Columbia allow some or all types of consumer fireworks. Legislation passed in Ohio lifted the long standing ban on discharge of 1.4g fireworks across the state but does allow for local governments to either ban fireworks or restrict the times and dates that consumers can discharge fireworks within their jurisdictions.
Ohioans should check with their own local government to determine if a ban exists. They may also click here to view our list of localities that PBO is aware has a ban in place.
“By avoiding fireworks, or by attending fireworks displays conducted by licensed professionals only, you will help the Fourth of July remain a joyous occasion to celebrate with family and friends, not a day spent in an emergency room,” said Amy Pulles, President & CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio.
For more information on the dangers of fireworks or for ideas on how to celebrate safely without fireworks, visit https://preventblindness.org/fireworks. Or contact Prevent Blindness Ohio at (800) 301-2020.
About Prevent Blindness Ohio
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. The Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness serves all 88 Ohio counties, providing direct services to 1,000,000 Ohioans annually and educating millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. For more information or to contribute, call 800-301-2020 or donate here. Visit us at pbohio.org. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/pbohio/ and X: twitter.com/PB_Ohio
|
