APA Credits Fireworks Industry for Record Low Injury Rate

APA Credits Fireworks Industry for Record Low Injury Rate
Active Fireworks Safety Program and Strict Adherence to Regulations Leads to the lowest Injury Rate Ever

(Youngstown, OH) - Since 1976, when the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission promulgated the current federal standards for consumer fireworks, the fireworks-related injury rate has fallen by 88% setting a 26 - year low. Amazingly, this has occurred while fireworks usage has skyrocketed during the same time period. Fireworks usage has increased six-fold from 29.0 million pounds in 1976 to over 190 million pounds in 2002, where as the injury rate has dramatically dropped from 38.3 injuries per 100,000 pound of fireworks used to 4.6 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks used.

Bruce J. Zoldan, President of the American Pyrotechnics Association and Phantom Fireworks, credits the fireworks industry for the significant decline in injuries due to the strong promotion of safety within the industry itself. In an effort to really emphasize safety, more people are supporting fireworks safety laws and more importantly are joining in to help inform others about fireworks safety. Zoldan recognizes the efforts put forth by his staff at Phantom Fireworks as well as everyone in the fireworks industry for informing and promoting safety and making sure that they themselves adhere to all safety regulations.

Why this growth in fireworks usage?
According to Zoldan, the Fourth of July celebrations this year should really result in an explosive increase in fireworks use. Since the late 1980's the industry has experienced steady growth in fireworks usage each year. In 1990 another surge in usage resulted with an increased interest in special pyrotechnic effects and "close proximity" fireworks; and the consumption rate has continued to climb steadily throughout the past decade to where fireworks usage has more than doubled (67.6 million pounds in 1990 to over 190.1 million pounds in 2002).

"The fireworks industry has witnessed a great increase in sales over the years. This increase is expressed through the many family celebrations that take place over the holiday and the additional fireworks displays that take place throughout the country. There is enthusiasm for celebrating all sorts of occasions with fireworks and this results in a dedication to ensure that these devices are manufactured, distributed and used in a safe manner," said Zoldan. "It is of paramount importance to the industry, Phantom Fireworks and the members of the APA to take steps to inform others of fireworks safety and to ensure that no one gets hurt by fireworks.

About the American Pyrotechnics Association
The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers and suppliers of fireworks, and professional display firms. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, history of fireworks, and state laws can be found on APA'a website at www.americanpyro.com