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Snap, Crackle, and Pop

[Announcer] This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – safer, healthier people.

Welcome to Ask CDC, the weekly podcast that answers your questions. I'm your host, Susan Laird.

Our question this week is from a listener who wants to know if there's anything he can do to stay safe when launching fireworks on the 4th of July.

Fireworks are exciting to watch, but can be dangerous if you don't know how to handle them. Typically, 60 percent of injuries from fireworks in the United States occur in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday. In 2005, about 10,800 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, head, face, and ears.

The way to protect yourself from injuries related to fireworks is easy: leave the fireworks displays to trained professionals.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov, click on "F" in the A to Z index, and select "Fireworks Injuries" or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Thanks for listening. To submit your question to Ask CDC, email us at askcdc@cdc.gov.

[Announcer] For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.