ROSEMONT, Ill. (AAOS) -- To reduce the risk of hand amputation and other fireworks-related injury, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is urging people not to handle, ignite or transport these devices--even if their state permits it.

"An exploding firecracker can devastate a person's life in a flash," said Academy president Vernon T. Tolo, MD, Los Angeles orthopaedic surgeon. "Fireworks should be off limits to all except qualified personnel. Under no circumstances should children play with firecrackers or related devices."

"The risk is too great," he said. "Firecrackers can misfire. The fuse may be defective. A wind shift might change the rocket's direction or what seems to be a 'dud' suddenly explodes. Even sparklers, which may appear to be safe for young children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot assess the potential danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency."

Each Fourth of July, orthopaedic surgeons see first-hand a much greater number of fireworks trauma, including the loss of fingers and hands.

"This Fourth of July, stay alert and avoid areas where people might ignite fireworks," Dr. Tolo said. "Also be aware that fireworks are sometimes thrown in garbage cans. Even if a firecracker appears to be a 'dud,' do not pick it up. Children need to be supervised by adults at all times during Independence Day events," said Dr. Tolo.

Hospitals and doctors' offices treated an estimated 16,700 fireworks-related injuries in 2000 among youth under age 25 years, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The pain and suffering, medical, work loss, and legal and liability expenses associated with these injuries cost the U.S. $352.6 million last year. The CPSC estimates are projections of all medically-treated injuries related to fireworks in 2000. They are derived from estimates of hospital emergency room-treated injuries reported through the CPSC's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

For adults who choose to use fireworks, the CPSC provides the following safety guidelines:

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances.
• Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.

Fireworks injury prevention is part of the Academy's national injury prevention campaign, Prevent Injuries America! For physician-reviewed information on various injury prevention tips, contact the Academy's public service line at (800) 824-BONES, visit the Prevent Injuries America! Website at http://www.aaos.org, or send a self-addressed envelope with your request to AAOS, P. O. Box 1998, Des Plaines, IL 60017.