Sparklers are a popular and cheap firework for July Fourth celebrations, but can cause burns and injury if not used properly. Adults should supervise children and dispose of sparklers in water to prevent accidents. Metal flakes emitted by sparklers are not safe to ingest.
Sparklers are a long-standing tradition during July Fourth celebrations and other summer backyard parties. While they’re mostly sold at retailers in the United States only during the weeks leading up to July 4th, they’re both cheap and plentiful. While sparklers are a fun way for kids to get involved in the celebration, they are still a type of firework and pose a risk of injury if not used properly.
Slow-burning portable fireworks are simply a chemical mixture molded onto the end of a stiff wire. Once a sparkler is lit and the chemicals reach a high enough temperature, the reaction causes colored sparks to be emitted until the mold has progressively burned out. While in theory, the chemical reaction created by lit sparklers is safe, their use is only safe for children who are properly educated and supervised.
The main safety concern for children using sparklers is burns. In the center of the fireworks, the temperature can reach 1800° Fahrenheit (982°C). A third degree burn can result from temperatures as low as 220°F (104°C). For this reason, adults should always show children how to hold sparklers and instruct them in safe handling. Young children who can’t control themselves should never handle fireworks and older children should always have adult supervision.
To keep the use of sparklers safe and enjoyable, be sure to use common sense and practical safety measures. Adults should not let children light their own sparklers and should not attempt to re-light any that have malfunctioned. Because these fireworks burn so hot, they retain their heat for a period of time even after they burn out, a bucket of water should be kept nearby to dispose of them after use. Sparklers thrown inadvertently on the ground can create a burn risk to barefoot children, so everyone should wear shoes. Children should also be instructed not to touch the top of a sparkler once it has been lit, and make sure never to stick a lit one near anyone’s face, including your own.
If a burn or chemical reaction occurs, it’s important to treat the burn immediately and properly. People should never use sparklers instead of candles on a cake, because the metal flakes that are emitted by them are not safe to ingest. With proper supervision and responsible use, streamers can be safe and add fun to summer celebrations, which gives kids something to look forward to.
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