How many injuries result from fireworks use?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 2007 about 9,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. More than half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the hands, eyes, and legs. Children 10 to 14 years old had the highest per capita injury rate among all age groups. There is no specific system for tracking such injuries in Ohio. How does the State Fire Marshal promote fireworks safety in Ohio? The Department of Commerce actively reviews and works to increase fireworks safety, both in showrooms and for public exhibitions. The Department focuses on the regulation and education of the fireworks industry and those involved in the exhibition of fireworks. The Division of State Fire Marshal operates a Fireworks Incident Team (FIT) to respond to the scene of any fireworks accident to investigate and assist local authorities. Investigations by FIT have led to both administrative and criminal action
