SALT LAKE CITY — July in Utah is host to a number of traditional summertime activities, among the most popular of which is families setting off fireworks. With that idea in mind, local health advocates are expressing concern about the potential danger engaging in such behavior could present to children and teenagers.
"The fireworks injuries I see are typically burns to the face, burns to the hands," said Dr. Charles Pruitt, medical director for child advocacy at Primary Children's Medical Center. "These (injuries) can be disfiguring and disabling at the worst. Children lose fingers. Children lose limbs."
Pruitt said that each year, emergency rooms statewide see numerous cases of serious injuries involving kids that could be completely prevented if adults took a more proactive approach to monitoring their kids' exposure to fireworks.
"It's a tragedy that 40 percent to 60 percent of fireworks injuries in this country are to children under 14 years of age," he said. One-third of the injuries to children under age 5 are caused by sparklers, he noted.
"The tip of a sparkler can burn at between 1,800 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — similar to the temperature of an aluminum welder," Pruitt said. "That temperature can melt soft metal. None of us would send our child out into the garage to play with an aluminum welder."
Besides the inherent injury danger, another overriding concern at this time of the year is the potential for starting an actual fire.
Capt. Clint Smith, public information officer with the Unified Fire Authority, said for those who choose to use legal fireworks, take extra care when lighting them.
"Make sure that you're … in a clear, open area that's not in close proximity to any dry vegetation," he said. "Only light one firework at a time, make sure there is always adult supervision and have an extinguishment source nearby."
Those sources include a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher, he said.
He also warned against creating "homemade" fireworks like the kind that left young Bridger Hunt seriously injured in 2008 when shrapnel from a black-powder-filled metal pipe exploded and tore through his leg and torso. The then 11-year old boy eventually recovered from the incident but has lasting damage from the blast.
The key to avoiding those kinds of fireworks-related tragedies is to use common sense, especially around children, said Janet Brooks, child safety advocate at Primary Children's.
"For younger children, there's just no safety tip other than don't let them be involved in (lighting fireworks)," she said. "If you're doing something at home, just make sure it's an adult executing the firework, and the children can watch."
Pruitt advised parents to err on the side of cautious and not use any fireworks at home — period.
"There are no safe fireworks," Pruitt said. "Every type of home-use fireworks product has been associated with severe injury and or death. Leave it to the professionals."
For more information on fireworks safety, go to kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/fireworks.html.
Tips on fireworks safety
Kids should never play with fireworks. Even sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt gold.
Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place.
Never try to make your own fireworks.
Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.
Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July or July 24. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run away or get injured.
e-mail: jlee@desnews.com