Fireworks-Related Injuries See 'Significant Upward Trend,' 11,500 Cases In 2021: Report

A new report found that there were 11,500 fireworks-related injuries in 2021, and shows a "significant upward trend" in such injuries in the past 15 years. People should be aware of the risks of using fireworks, authorities say.

As the Fourth of July approaches, more and more people are likely planning their events and celebrations with family and friends. Fireworks are often in the mix of the festivities, but a new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found an increase in injuries during this period, the agency noted in a news release Tuesday.

The report found that fireworks were involved in about 11,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospitals in 2021. Of these injuries, 74% (8,500) occurred during the one-month special study period between June 18 to July 18, 2021, "surrounding the Fourth of July holiday."

During the study period, about 1,500 of the emergency department-treated injuries were linked to firecrackers, while 1,100 were associated with sparklers. Some 32% of the injuries were burns, while contusions and lacerations accounted for 21% of the injuries.

In one of the cases, for instance, a 15-year-old female was sitting about 40 to 50 feet away when one of the devices "shot from the side," landed on the victim's lap and exploded, lighting her shorts on fire. The victim ended up being admitted to the hospital with third-degree burns and recovered fully after three weeks, with a "large amount of scarring."

The CPSC also logged nine fireworks-related deaths in 2021. Two of the cases were linked to "unknown circumstances," but one was linked to "mortar launch malfunction" while six were linked to firework misuse.

"Reporting of fireworks-related deaths for 2021 is not complete, and the number of deaths identified for 2021 should be considered a minimum," the report noted.

Although the 11,500 injuries logged during 2021 saw a drop in the fireworks-related injuries compared to the spike in 2020 (15,600) when public events were canceled, the report found a "statistically significant trend" in the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries from 2006 to 2021, with an estimated increase of 274 injuries per year.

Surveillance on consumer fireworks also found that 31% of the products tested contained "noncompliant components," according to the CPSC.

"It's imperative that consumers know the risks involved in using fireworks, so injuries and tragedies can be prevented," CPSC Chair, Alex Hoehn-Saric, said in the agency news release. "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch the professional displays."

The CPSC shared some important safety tips to remember. This includes never letting children play or ignite fireworks, keeping a bucket of water or water hose handy, never placing one's body directly over a firework, and never pointing or throwing a firework at anyone, even if it's a simple sparkler.