Guest Author - Paula Petrie

36 people have died in the last five years using fireworks in their festivities. More than one third of these deaths involved illegal products.

The CPSC would like us to know that last year, one 4th of July celebration ended in tragedy when a man was killed lighting a 4-inch, professional display, mortar shell in a homemade mortar tube with a cigarette lighter. It launched almost immediately after being lit and struck the man in the face, while he was still hunched over the tube.

"Commercial fireworks are much more powerful and often ignite faster than you can imagine," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "They are illegal in the hands of consumers and should only be used by licensed professionals."

The CPSC says many parents don't realize that there are more injuries to children under the age of five from sparklers, than from any other type of fireworks. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

In the 2005 Annual Fireworks Report, the CPSC estimates, that there were 10,800 emergency-room visits associated with fireworks that year. And 6,500 of these injuries happened between the middle of June and mid-July.

The U.S. government is committed to stopping the manufacture and sale of potentially deadly, illegal fireworks. CPSC is working to enforce fireworks regulations and prosecute dealers and distributors of illegal explosives.

As a part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC works with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Through undercover buys, online purchases, inspections and investigations, CPSC and ATF are tracking down and closing illegal roadside stands, warehouses, and retail stores that sell professional grade explosives to consumers.

CPSC also works with Customs and Border Protection to prevent hazardous and illegal fireworks from entering U.S. Since 1988, CPSC and CBP have seized or detained nearly 460 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.


The CPSC recommends following these fireworks safety tips

Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for the professional shows and could pose a danger to consumers.

Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move a safe distance away immediately after lighting.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.