Fireworks Safety
With Thomas Moore
Acting Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission
Tuesday, July 2, 2002; 1 p.m. EDT

In the wake of the events of September 11, many Americans will be celebrating their patriotism in a big way this Fourth of July. But according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9500 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms last year for fireworks-related injuries. "We all want to spend our Fourth of July with family and friends, not in the emergency room," said Acting Chairman Thomas Moore at a press conference recently.

Moore will be online Tuesday, July 2 at 1 p.m. EDT, to talk about fireworks safety, legal vs. illegal fireworks and recent enforcement cases.

Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Clifton, Va.: I have never understood why bottle rockets, small firecrackers, etc., are banned in many states? I have used black cats and bottle rockets for four decades now without a problem. No injuries.
I have had a black cat blow up in my hand with no injury. M 80's, cherry bombs, etc., I understand. Yeah a bottle rocket can put your eye out but so can a stick or pen. We haven't banned sticks and pens yet have we?

Thomas Moore: Thank you for your interest in helping us to ensure the safety of the American public during this Fourth of July.
We are the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). We have oversight of approximately 15,000 consumer products, including fireworks. Usually at this time of year, we are especially concerned about fireworks safety. Given that thousands of Americans around the country will be especially joyous during this Fourth of July celebration - following the events of 9/11.

Frederick, Md.: Are sparklers generally safe for kids ages 3 to 5?

Thomas Moore: CPSC recommends that adults not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures at about 2000 degrees and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and often will not act appropriately in case of an emergency.

Thomas Moore: To answer the question concerning "bottlerockets" - CPSC has received 4 reports of deaths and 9500 injuries attributed to fireworks usage. One does not ordinarily expect serious injury problems "with sticks and pens". We know, however, from past history that the result of careless use of fireworks legal and illegal can result in various serious injuries.

Laurel, Md.: Mr. Moore, I have noticed, to my chagrin, that fireworks are now being sold in Maryland. I thought they were not permitted in this state, but something must have happened recently. What gives?

Thomas Moore: Maryland does allow some or all types of consumer fireworks. Check with your local fire department to see which fireworks are allowable in your area. CPSC works actively with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute those fireworks makers and dealers that violate federal law.

Newtown, Pa.: Mr. Moore,

CPSC is not usually thought of as an agency involved in law enforcement. Do you really have the power to put people in prison? How do you find out about these illegal makers and sellers of fireworks?

Thomas Moore: CPSC has the authority under the US Consumer Product Safety Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to prosecute persons who violate the statutory provisions. Examples are those who try to sell M-80's, M-1000's, and Silver Salutes. In coordination with ATF we conduct investigations nationwide and have recently succeeded in prosecuting individuals in Indiana and Washington State for violating federal fireworks laws.

Washington, D.C.: Are there federal laws regarding fireworks or are they all per state?

Thomas Moore: In a regulation that went into effect in 1976, CPSC lowered the permissible charge in firecrackers to no more than 50 milligrams of powder. 50 milligrams is about 1/5 of a Tylenol caplet. Anything greater than 50 milligrams is considered an explosive device and seriously injure you.

Virginia, Maryland and Washington,D.C. allow some or all types of consumer fireworks such as sparklers. Check with your local fire department to see which fireworks are allowed in your area.

Castle Shannon, Pa.: Speaking of sparklers, I don't think they're safe for any kids. I still have a pretty bad scar on my leg from when my friends and I would "swordfight" with sparklers ... and we were 15 years old at the time.

Thomas Moore: This is an excellent example of the potential injuries that sparkers and other fireworks can cause. Sparklers can burn in excess of 2000 degrees - hot enough to melt copper!!!! Our safety message is intended to forwarn all Americans of the potential dangers.

Arlington, Va.: Are the roadside stands safe places to buy good, legal fireworks?

Thomas Moore: It is difficult to say without knowing the types of products sold at these roadside stands. That's why we are here to warn Consumers about the potential dangers associated with both legal and illegal fireworks. Before you purchase any fireworks, we strongly suggest you contact your local fire department to determine which fireworks are legal in your area.

Alexandria, Va.: Will more fireworks be bought this year due to 9/11?

Thomas Moore: The fireworks industry is expecting record sales of fireworks this year. CPSC is here to warn that the purchase and use of illegal fireworks can lead to serious injury or even death. CPSC knows of an 18-month-old boy in Ohio, who was struck by a bottle rocket at his grandfather's home.

Georgia: I don't know if you can answer this or not, but I was wondering about pet safety with regards to fireworks. Do you recommend anything that would make it easier for my great dane puppy to enjoy the fireworks?

Thomas Moore: To help consumers use fireworks safely, CPSC offers these recommendations which can protect your entire family, including your pets:

1. Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances;
2. Read and follow all warning and instructions;
3. A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities;
4. Be sure other people (and pets) are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person;
5. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned; and
6. Keep a bucket of water or hose handy in case of malfunction or fire.

Gaithersburg, Md.: I've seen kits to make M-80s and other types of fireworks ... are they legal? Even if they are sold on the Web?

Thomas Moore: Under the law, M-80's are illegal fireworks. CPSC is working closely with law enforcement to investigate those individuals and companies who are trying to sell illegal explosives over the internet.

Edgewood, Md.: What is the most frequent injury caused by fireworks?

Thomas Moore: Commission data has revealed that the most common injuries are burns and eye injuries. We do see more severe injuries such as blindings and amputations. Even deaths can occur especially from using the powerful illegal fireworks. The parts of the body most often injured were hands (estimated 1800 emergency department visits), eyes (1600 visits), and the head/face/ear region (900).

Rising Sun, Md.: Since lots of people obviously buy fireworks at stands and in stores, obviously lots of people use them at home. I know my family always brings them to our celebration. Do you have any good advice for these people who set off fireworks to prevent injuries?

Thomas Moore: If consumers fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

1. Read and follow all warnings and instructions;
2. A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities;
3. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks;
4. Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person;
5. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials;
6. Light one item at a time, then move back quickly;
7. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully funtioned; and
8. Keep a bucket of water or hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire. And, keep in mind that 9500 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 2001 for fireworks-related injuries.

Washington, D.C.: On one hand I know that fireworks can be dangerous -- especially if you're careless and/or do stupid things with them. On the other, am I wrong in assuming that the vast majority of those who do use fireworks use them safely?

Thanks.

Thomas Moore: We certainly hope so! But, as I've noted 9500 people were treated in hospital emergency room last year for fireworks-related injuries. I'm sure that you don't want to be one of these this year!

Thomas Moore: Thank you for your interest in having a safe Fourth of July Holiday! Remember CELEBRATE SAFELY!

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