Our research indicates that Americans should celebrate the holiday responsibly to avoid ending up in the hospital. Below are the top 10 product-related risks during the July Fourth weekend, ranked by the increase in hospital visits compared to normal spring and summer weekends, as per our data.
1. Fireworks
Fireworks are visually appealing but can also be deadly. They were the most dangerous product during the Fourth of July weekend in 2023, with a substantial 2,286% increase in hospital visits due to fireworks compared to average weekends. It is not surprising, considering fireworks are a focal point of most Fourth of July festivities.
The data we analyzed revealed cases of severe burns, facial lacerations, trauma, and other serious injuries. For example, a 21-year-old man suffered burns to his face and neck after a rocket explosion, a 41-year-old woman sustained burns to her hand from a sparkler explosion, and an 8-year-old boy sustained injuries after approaching a firework that had not detonated near a firework stand. The firework exploded when he got close, causing his injuries. The CPSC reports that there were 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2022.
2. Shuffleboard
While shuffleboard injuries may not be commonly associated with the Fourth of July, they saw an 877% increase in injuries over the holiday weekend in 2023 compared to normal weekends that year. The injuries ranged in severity, with an 84-year-old ending up in the hospital due to chest pain experienced while playing the game outdoors in the heat. CPSC data shows that 74 people suffered serious injuries related to shuffleboard.
3. Solid room deodorizers
Solid room deodorizers, used to create a pleasant fragrance in homes, ranked third on our list with a 364% increase in related injuries during the Fourth of July weekend compared to average weekends.
One incident from CPSC data involved a 25-year-old woman going to the hospital after cutting her hand while cleaning a wax melt warmer with a knife. Room fragrance products should be handled with care, especially around children. Last year, a 6-year-old boy went to the hospital after a soft air freshener bead ended up in his ear.
Many people use aerosol room deodorizers to keep their homes fresh. While the specific ingredients were not detailed in the NEISS data, aerosol containers led to an estimated 111 serious injuries requiring hospitalization, transfer, or death during the Fourth of July weekend last year.
4. Drapery or curtain rods
Household tasks like hanging drapery or curtain rods can result in unexpected injuries more frequently than one might think. There was a 363% increase in hospitalizations related to hanging drapery or curtain rods during the July Fourth weekend in 2023 compared to usual weekends.
An estimated 54 people were hospitalized due to injuries linked to hanging drapery or curtain rods, reflecting the dangers posed by everyday household activities. Barmparas mentioned that such accidents involving household items are not surprising, as these are common causes of injuries.
5. Pressure cookers or canners
While many use outdoor grills to prepare food on the Fourth of July, pressure cookers and canners were actually more dangerous in 2023. These kitchen items led to the most injuries during the holiday weekend, with an estimated 149 people going to the hospital, over four times higher than usual weekends.
Pressure cookers can be particularly hazardous due to the risk of severe burns. A study published in 2024 found that many injuries stem from premature lid opening.
6. Personal protection devices
Concerns over personal safety have prompted many to purchase products like pepper spray and firearms. Injuries from these devices sent about 228 people to the hospital during the 2023 holiday weekend, representing a significant 340% increase compared to normal weekends.
Various injuries occurred, including a 4-year-old spraying themselves with pepper spray found in a car, a 13-year-old getting exposed to bear spray resulting in eye injuries, and a 46-year-old man sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the hand.
7. Water tubing
Water sports, especially water tubing, saw a four-fold increase in injuries during the July Fourth weekend in 2023 compared to average weekends. Instances included a 28-year-old woman experiencing hearing loss after water entered her ear, a 22-year-old male dislocating his shoulder, and a 19-year-old male perforating his eardrum after hitting his head on a tube.
Both adults and children experienced injuries related to water tubing, with incidents ranging from muscle spasms to concussions.
8. Billiards or pool
As indoor activities gain popularity during the evening, billiards posed a risk, with a 248% increase in injuries during the July Fourth weekend in 2023 compared to normal weekends. Injuries from billiards commonly involve back issues, sprains, and herniated discs.
9. Ice skating equipment
Ice skating, a common summer pastime, led to a 222% increase in injuries around July Fourth 2023 compared to normal weekends. Falls were the primary cause of injuries, indicating the need to be cautious while ice skating.
Ice skaters are advised to take safety precautions, especially newcomers who are recommended to wear helmets to protect themselves from wrist, ankle, and head injuries.
10. Portable tools
Preparing for a Fourth of July party often involves using power tools like table saws or drills. Accidents related to power tools saw a 203% increase in injuries during the 2023 July Fourth weekend compared to normal weekends, resulting in 135 hospital visits.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides safety tips to prevent injuries related to power tools, emphasizing the importance of using eye protection, proper tool handling, and avoiding hazardous environments.
Fireworks require caution
Our findings highlight the dangers of fireworks, which caused a significant number of injuries and deaths during the Fourth of July weekend in 2023. According to the CPSC, fireworks resulted in over 10,000 injuries and 11 deaths in 2022. Specific incidents revealed tragic outcomes of fireworks-related accidents.
For instance, in 2023, a 12-year-old girl sustained burns from a Roman candle hitting her, an 8-year-old girl injured her left eye with a small flying spinner firework, and a 45-year-old woman experienced severe finger amputations due to a large firework explosion. These cases represent a fraction of the over 1,000 fireworks-related accidents last year.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York City’s commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, emphasized the risks associated with fireworks, ranging from severe burns to injuries affecting the eyes and hands. He advised against using consumer fireworks and recommended attending professional fireworks displays.
Celebrating the Fourth of July safely
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration and enjoyment, but certain activities and products can pose risks of injuries and hospitalizations. It is essential for parents to closely monitor children around fireworks and sparklers to prevent injuries. Experts advise using fireworks in open areas away from flammable objects, keeping sparklers at a safe distance, and disposing of fireworks properly.
The Department of Homeland Security offers additional tips on firework safety for consumers to ensure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July celebration.
Methodology
Our analysis utilized 2023 data on product- and activity-related injuries leading to hospital visits in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. The dataset represents a sample of U.S. hospital data, with each record weighted to estimate national injury numbers.
Products and activities were ranked based on the percentage increase in hospital visits during the July Fourth weekend in 2023 compared to other spring and summer weekends that year. The products identified in the data may not have directly caused the injuries but were involved in the incidents in some manner.
This story was produced by ConsumerAffairs and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
