Our research indicates that it is important for Americans to celebrate the holiday responsibly in order to avoid ending up in the hospital. Below are the top 10 hazardous products during the July Fourth weekend, ranked by the increase in hospital visits compared to regular spring and summer weekends, according to our data.
1. Fireworks
Fireworks are a common source of both beauty and danger. They were the leading cause of product-related injuries during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend, with a significant increase in hospital visits (2,286%) compared to an average weekend. This is not surprising, as fireworks are a staple at most Fourth of July celebrations.
Data analyzed by ConsumerAffairs revealed severe injuries such as burns, lacerations, and trauma from fireworks. Examples include a 21-year-old man with burns to his face and neck from a rocket explosion, a 41-year-old woman with burns to her hand from a sparkler explosion, and an 8-year-old boy with abrasions and an eye injury from a firework that did not ignite near a fireworks stand. The boy approached the firework, causing it to explode and injure him. The CPSC reports 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2022.
2. Shuffleboard
Surprisingly, shuffleboard injuries saw an 877% increase over the 2023 holiday weekend compared to a regular weekend during the same season. Injuries varied, with an 84-year-old hospitalized for chest pain experienced while playing shuffleboard outdoors in the heat. CPSC data indicates 74 serious injuries related to the game.
3. Solid room deodorizers
Room deodorizers ranked third, with a 364% increase in injuries during the Fourth of July compared to regular weekends. One incident involved a 25-year-old woman hospitalized after cutting her hand while cleaning a wax melt warmer with a knife. Proper handling of room fragrance devices is crucial, especially around children. Another incident involved a 6-year-old boy hospitalized after a soft air freshener bead got stuck in his ear.
Many people use aerosol room deodorizers to keep their homes fresh. Although specific ingredients were not listed in the NEISS data, aerosol cans were responsible for an estimated 111 serious injuries requiring hospitalization or resulting in death during last year’s Fourth of July weekend.
4. Drapery or curtain rods
Before hanging new curtains for your upcoming Fourth of July party, take extra precautions. Hanging drapery or curtain rods led to an increased number of injuries (363%) during the 2023 holiday weekend compared to regular weekends.
Last year, an estimated 54 people were hospitalized due to injuries related to hanging drapery or curtain rods during the Fourth of July weekend. Barmparas noted that household items often cause unexpected injuries during routine chores.
5. Pressure cookers or canners
While outdoor grills are commonly associated with Fourth of July cooking, pressure cookers and canners were actually more dangerous in 2023. These kitchenware items caused an estimated 149 hospitalizations, over four times higher than an average weekend.
Pressure cookers pose a risk of severe burns, particularly from premature lid opening. A study published in 2024 emphasized the dangers of inappropriate handling of pressure cookers.
6. Personal protection devices
Accidents involving personal safety devices like pepper spray and firearms resulted in an estimated 228 hospitalizations during the 2023 holiday, a 340% increase compared to regular weekends. Injuries included chemical burns from pepper spray exposure and accidental gunshot wounds.
7. Water tubing
Water sports, especially water tubing, led to an increase in injuries during the Fourth of July weekend, with a four-fold increase compared to regular weekends. Injuries ranged from perforated eardrums to dislocated shoulders.
Adults and children alike experienced injuries during water tubing, highlighting the potential dangers of this festive activity.
8. Billiards or pool
Indoor activities like billiards saw a 248% increase in related injuries during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend compared to regular weekends. Common injuries included back injuries and strain from repetitive movements.
9. Ice skating equipment
Ice skating, a popular summer pastime, resulted in a 222% increase in injuries over the Fourth of July weekend compared to regular weekends. Falls were the primary cause of injuries, emphasizing the importance of safety on the ice.
10. Portable tools
Power tools, drills, and accessories caused a 203% surge in injuries during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend compared to regular weekends. Safety measures, such as wearing eye protection and turning off tools when not in use, can help prevent accidents.
Fireworks are more dangerous than people realize
Fireworks-related injuries were a leading cause of hospital visits in the U.S. during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend. The CPSC reported over 10,000 injuries and 11 deaths from fireworks in 2022. Specific incidents, including severe burns and injuries from fireworks, highlight the dangers of pyrotechnics.
Use caution when celebrating the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but it is important to be cautious to prevent injuries and hospitalizations. Activities like swimming and mountain biking also pose risks during the holiday weekend. Experts advise parents to closely monitor children around fireworks and sparklers to prevent accidents.
Methodology
ConsumerAffairs analyzed data on product- and activity-related injuries resulting in hospital visits during the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Products and activities were ranked based on the percentage increase in hospital visits during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend compared to regular spring and summer weekends.
This story written and distributed by ConsumerAffairs was reviewed and published by Stacker Media.
