Leave fireworks to experts

• Copyright © 2013 by the American Academy of Pediatrics

The Academy is urging families to set down the sparklers and enjoy professional fireworks displays instead this Independence Day and all summer.

Even sparklers, which seem harmless, can reach 1,200 degrees and easily burn a child. Fireworks also can cause eye damage, hearing loss, scars and more. Children ages 5-19 years old are among those most likely to be injured. Pediatricians are urged to spread this message from the AAP-supported Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks. The group’s aim is to eliminate fireworks injuries among amateurs.

Review the AAP policy on fireworks at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/1/190.full and find fireworks information at www.aap.org. For additional resources and links to posters and materials from the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, visit http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=297.