Last Fourth of July in Minnesota, Mike (not his real name) burned his face, eyes and lips when a firework blew up in his face. He was not alone ‹ more than 8,000 fireworks-related injuries occurred nationwide last year. Although illegal in Minnesota, fireworks continue to be carried across the border. Take the following quiz to see how much you know about fireworks safety.

Questions
1. Sparklers are safe fireworks and can be given to children.
2. Gunpowder is a major ingredient in most types of fireworks.
3. Only people who are careless or unsupervised are injured from fireworks.
4. Only people who set off the fireworks risk injuries.
5. Males are more likely to get hurt from fireworks.
6. Bottle rockets are not dangerous because theyıre just firecrackers tied to a stick.
7. Using fireworks is an inexpensive way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
8. My state bans fireworks.

Answers
1. False. Sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring hospitalization. Most of these injuries occur among preschool-age children. Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold (1,800 F).
2. True. Most fireworks contain gunpowder, which causes these devices to explode.
3. False. Because fireworks are unpredictable, injuries can occur even if the person is careful or is under supervision. The best way to avoid injury is to not use fireworks.
4. False. When it comes to fireworks, no one is safe. Nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to bystanders.
5. True. Men and boys are the most common users of fireworks. Thatıs why four out of five fireworks injuries happen to males. Men between the ages of 22-44 and boys ages 12-14 are the most common victims.
6. False. Bottle rockets are among the most dangerous fireworks available today. They account for the majority of all fireworks injuries that lead to permanent eye damage. Bottle rockets can move as fast as 200 miles per hour, explode in mid air and fly in any direction.
7. False. The cost of treating a fireworks injury far outweighs the cost of a single fireworks package, which is about $2. The average hospital emergency room charges approximately $150-$1,100 for one visit. This price does not include the cost families must pay for possible surgery, physical therapy or unnecessary blindness.
8. True. Minnesota is one of 12 states that bans all types of fireworks.