The Fourth of July means barbeques, family get-togethers, and of course, fireworks. The tradition of fireworks to celebrate the nation’s independence actually began the year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4th, 1777, in Philadelphia. Ever since, crowds have gathered to watch city, county, and state-sponsored fireworks displays or gathered together at home to light their own fireworks. While fireworks are a fun, colorful, and awe-inspiring way to ring in a celebration, care should be taken as injuries due to these explosives rise during the times when they are in use.
The JStor Daily reports on some fascinating fireworks facts.
Annually, the United States shoots off about one pound of fireworks for each adult. That’s up from about ½ a pound in 2000. In 1976, at the bicentennial, the weight was just one-sixth a pound.
Back in 2000, about 1/3 of all fireworks were used in professional displays. By 2017, that number had dwindled to about 10%, thanks to states relaxing prohibitions about setting off fireworks.
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Fireworks have also gotten cheaper, despite an increase in use. In 1996, it cost about $1.37 in today’s dollars to import one pound of fireworks, which are typically produced in China. In 2017, that price had fallen to about $1.13 per pound, making hot dogs potentially more expensive than fireworks.
Between June 18th and July 18, 2017, men experienced 70% of all fireworks-related injuries. That said, with relaxing state regulations governing fireworks, injuries overall are on the rise.
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