For Immediate Release

Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks -- devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death. The AAP is part of the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and, instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.

For more information on the campaign, go to www.nfpa.org/fireworks.

For more information about fireworks-related injuries to children, go to http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/1/190

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.