This Fourth of July, You Might Want to Pass on the Sparklers

Remember the excitement of the Fourth of July as a kid? The warmth of summer, mouthwatering barbecues, and juicy slices of watermelon were just the beginning. As night fell, your fun-loving uncle would hand out sparklers, and it felt like a rite of passage to wave those fiery sticks and spell your name in the air. However, we often overlooked the potential dangers involved.

According to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, sparklers can reach temperatures as high as 1,800°F! That kind of heat can lead to severe burns. Using fireworks at home can be particularly risky, especially in densely populated areas. They can easily end up in trees or on roofs, posing a fire hazard to entire homes.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that fireworks accidents resulted in approximately 10,000 injuries in 2019, including 12 fatalities. Out of those injuries, around 900 were related to sparklers, with half occurring in children under five years old.

We spoke with Lisa Collins, a pediatric safety expert, who emphasized the need to keep sparklers away from young children. “Sparklers burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees, so it’s best that kids don’t handle them. Children often swing sparklers near their faces and clothes, which can lead to eye injuries and burns,” she noted.

To ensure a safer experience this Fourth of July, consider these tips:

Kids should never be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks.
Keep water nearby; a bucket can help extinguish any accidental fires.
Only light one firework at a time, and retreat quickly after lighting it.
If a firework doesn’t ignite, don’t attempt to relight it; dispose of it in the water bucket.
Maintain a safe distance when lighting fireworks—think social distancing!
Avoid throwing any fireworks, including sparklers, at friends for fun.
After use, soak spent fireworks in water before tossing them in the trash to prevent fires.
Always check local laws regarding fireworks; if they’re prohibited, don’t use them. Ensure that any fireworks you buy are intended for consumer use.

Collins shared her experiences as a nurse, highlighting the serious injuries fireworks can cause, including burns and eye damage. “In my 20 years in pediatric emergency care, I’ve seen firsthand the dangers associated with fireworks,” she said.

If you’re looking for firework-free ways to celebrate, Wired suggests alternatives like smoke or dry ice bombs, popping bubble wrap, or enjoying laser and light shows—just remember to avoid pointing lasers at anyone’s eyes. You might also consider making “elephant toothpaste,” a fun chemical reaction that produces a giant foam explosion. These options are not only safer but also particularly important this year, as many regions are experiencing drought conditions, increasing wildfire risks.

Ultimately, the decision to allow children to use sparklers lies with the parents. However, children should never be permitted to light them independently, and parents must supervise closely when sparklers are being used. For a safe alternative, consider glow sticks—just ensure younger kids don’t chew on them. And remember, professional fireworks shows are always a great choice!

As the sun sets this Fourth of July, you can still have an amazing celebration without sparklers or dangerous fireworks. If you choose to include fireworks, ensure that adults supervise the activities, and keep that bucket of water handy.

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In summary, while sparklers can be a nostalgic part of Fourth of July celebrations, their risks often outweigh the fun. Prioritize safety and explore safer alternatives for a memorable holiday.