Sparklers Pose Danger for Children

In 2007, approximately 6,300 Americans were treated in emergency rooms across the country due to fireworks-related injuries around the Fourth of July, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Unfortunately, more than 40 percent of all fireworks injuries were to children under the age of 15. Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that sparklers accounted for the most injuries that required medical attention to children ages 4 and under, and even more surprised to learn that sparklers were associated with the most number of injuries to both adults and children.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, "safe and sane" fireworks caused more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.

_{Source: Prevent Blindness America. Fireworks Pose Dangerous Risks, Especially to Children, 25 Jun 2009.}

_{Image © Digital Vision / Getty Images}