Fireworks aren't just a burn risk. They're a poison risk, too.
A reminder from Poison Control ahead of July 4th: the small hand-held fireworks (sparklers, snake pellets, bang snaps) aren't just a burn risk; they're made from some genuinely toxic ingredients:
- Sparklers: metallic fuel (aluminum, iron, sulfur) + an oxidizer like barium nitrate
- Snake pellets (domestic): ammonium perchlorate, asphalt, nitronaphthalene
- Snake pellets (imported): can contain mercury thiocyanate, arsenic, and barium salts
- Bang snaps: gravel wrapped around silver fulminate
Two real cases: a 16-month-old chewed on a sparkler and vomited 8 times overnight (needed overnight monitoring for electrolyte issues, ended up fine), and a 2-year-old swallowed two snake fireworks nobody saw fall (also fine after 24 hours of monitoring and activated charcoal).
Beyond the usual fireworks safety tips (keep it legal, keep kids from lighting them, keep away from anything flammable), add these two: don't let anyone lick or swallow a firework, and watch for smoke inhalation.
If you think someone's had an exposure, you can get free, confidential help 24/7 online at webPOISONCONTROL.org or by calling 1-800-222-1222.
Learn more: https://www.poison.org/articles/fireworks-safety-tips-202