Bay State consumers enticed to use fireworks illegally Date: 6/28/2011 June 27, 2011
By Katelyn Gendron
Assistant Managing Editor
GREATER SPRINGFIELD — There are currently a few billboards along I-91 advertising consumer fireworks retailers in New Hampshire, despite the use of such products being illegal in Massachusetts.
State law has not stopped people from crossing the border into Connecticut or New Hampshire to purchase their pyrotechnic displays, however, Bay State consumers may not have to make that trek, should Gardner State Rep. Richard Bastien’s proposed bill legalizing the sale and use of consumer fireworks be passed.
Massachusetts is one of only four states in the country to ban all consumer fireworks — along with Delaware, New Jersey and New York — despite a decrease in fireworks-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“In the short span of 33 years, the use of fireworks in America has increased over 700 percent, while injuries have dropped an amazing 89 percent,” William Weimer, vice president of Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio, said. “It’s a pretty phenomenal set of circumstances when you compare it to other consumer products such as motorcycles.”
Phantom Fireworks is one of two fireworks retailers advertising its New Hampshire locations on billboards along I-91.
Dr. Ronald Gross, chief of the Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Services at Baystate Medical Center, said very few people come into his hospital with fireworks-related injuries.
“Our staffing never changes because as a Level One trauma center, you’re mandated to have a full compliment [of medical professionals] on board seven days a week, 365 [days a year],” he explained.
Weimer noted that the sale of consumer fireworks “skyrocketed” to 213.9 million pounds in 2009 but there were only 8,800 fireworks-related injuries that year, and fewer in 2010, totaling 8,600.
He credited federal safety standards, extensive product testing by the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory, as well as consumer education, for the decreasing number of injuries.
Stephen Pelkey, president of Atlas Fireworks Factory in New Hampshire, concurred, adding, “Our industry could not survive without safety standards.”
He explained that his company’s “well-trained staff” questions patrons about their experience with fireworks to ensure they’re buying the right products for their skill level and venue.
“Just because somebody has a lot of money to spend, we have to protect the consumer from themselves. But just by asking a few questions, you’re already gaining enough information to make a responsible sale,” Pelkey said.
He noted that while his company does not keep track of patrons who buy out of state, his employees do make sure that shoppers are 21 years of age or older.
Weimer attributed the majority of fireworks-related injuries to “misuse and abuse as opposed to malfunction of the product.”
“We strongly recommend that a sober adult light the fireworks. Some people take the products apart; others will shoot rockets; just stupid, stupid misuse of the product,” he added. “When you have a wholesome event where a neighborhood or cul-de-sac comes together and a responsible, sober adult follows the rules and keeps people at a distance, that is the type of event that should be celebrated.”
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