Fireworks Health Risks: Experts Warn

Why are experts warning about fireworks as a public health risk?

A warning published in The BMJ, described in a November 4 release from the journal, urges stronger safety measures and sustained public education. The authors highlight severe burns, eye trauma and limb injuries, as well as air pollution, noise and hazards faced by workers manufacturing fireworks. Their argument is that prevention needs to address the wider community, including people who never choose to handle these products. [BMJ news release](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-11-fireworks-underestimated-danger-health-experts.html)

This is an expert assessment drawing on existing evidence, rather than a new clinical trial. Its recommendations include better injury surveillance and education that communicates the possibility of lasting disability. Figures from individual hospitals or festivals should not be interpreted as universal injury rates: product types, exposure patterns and access to treatment differ substantially between settings.

What do injury figures reveal about fireworks and sparklers?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an estimated 13,000 fireworks injuries and 15 reported deaths in 2025. Approximately 1,300 emergency department-treated injuries involved sparklers. People aged 15 to 24 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries, and burns represented 38% of emergency department visits. These figures describe the United States during a specific year; they are not worldwide estimates. [CPSC fireworks surveillance and guidance](https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks)

Sparklers deserve particular attention because their small size can obscure their potential to cause harm. According to the CPSC, they burn at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The agency advises against allowing young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Injury estimates and reported death counts also represent different forms of surveillance: neither should be treated as a complete measurement of every fireworks-related health consequence.

How can families reduce the risk of serious fireworks injuries?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends attending professional displays instead of using fireworks at home. Spectators should follow event safety instructions and remain behind designated barriers. Bystanders can also be injured, so avoiding direct handling does not remove every risk. Fireworks can damage the eye through impact, heat and chemical exposure, potentially causing retinal detachment or rupture of the eyeball. [American Academy of Ophthalmology fireworks guidance](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/injuries-fireworks-eye-safety)

An eye injury from a firework requires emergency assessment. Do not rub or press on the eye, remove an embedded object, or apply ointment. For injuries caused by a fireworks blast or projectile, the academy also advises against rinsing the eye. Seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting to see whether vision improves.