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COMMERCIAL EDITORIAL -- THE ANNUAL AMATEUR HOUR -- FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009

Thursday, July 2, 2009 10:54 PM CDT

According to Arkansas law, a person may legally purchase fireworks during two biannual periods: June 20-July 10 and December 10-January 5. While not wanting to needlessly thwart local business, the continued legality of consumer fireworks is not in the best interests of the state. Reports from numerous government agencies explain why.

Opponents of increased restriction will doubtless characterize fireworks use as “people just having fun.” The fact is consumer fireworks use contributes to a significant amount of injury, property loss, and death. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 9,800 people in the U.S. were injured sufficiently by fireworks to require medical treatment during 2007. Eleven people were killed. CPSC reports these numbers are growing.

Of course injuries aren’t the only costs associated with “fireworks fun.” The National Fire Data Center reports an estimated 23, 200 fireworks fires in 2002 caused approximately $35 million in property loss.

Opponents will argue increased safety, education and responsible use would prevent more injury and loss than outright bans. Perhaps so, but that places an onus on the public that it demonstrably rebukes. Others will argue only certain types of fireworks should be banned. Sparklers, for instance are theoretically safer. NFDC reports, “Of the estimated 700 fireworks injuries to children under 5 years of age, 400 (57%) were caused by sparklers [during] 2003.” This begs the question what sort of person would allow a small child to hold a lit firework, but that in itself shows the public’s unwillingness to self-regulate.

Still, many argue increased restrictions are the tool of a lunatic fringe. According to the NFDC, six states outright ban all fireworks. Six more ban all except snakes, sparklers and the like. Twenty others have substantial restrictions on the kinds of devices that may be sold. If this thinking is the lunacy of a fringe group, they appear to have a pretty good foothold. Even so, some states have loosened restrictions despite Center for Disease Control and Prevention conclusions: “Studies have indicated that state laws regulating the sale of fireworks directly affect the occurrence of fireworks-related injuries. In one state, the number of injuries seen in emergency departments more than doubled following the legalization of fireworks.”

Assuming everyone who uses fireworks does so in a safe and proper way, the potential for tragedy is still high. According to the CPSC, the agency tested over 400 shipments of fireworks in 2007 to determine if they complied with the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Approximately 46% of shipments were found to contain noncompliant fireworks. Even if you’re safe, your fireworks might not be.

Admittedly, fireworks sales are boon to the economy. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, 2004 fireworks sales totaled $775 million. Clearly they are a money maker and source of tax revenue. On balance, however, one must wonder whether the revenue generated outweighs the medical expenses, insurance claims, property loss and increased burden on public services required to support these sales and their aftermath.

In the end, safety must trump custom. Arkansas should follow the lead of other progressive states and enact a ban on consumer fireworks. In the words of the NFDC, “Because fireworks can be dangerous and deadly, the safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities.” Amateur hour and fireworks clearly don’t mix.

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