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American Lust For Fireworks Increases Despite Safety Risks
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 3, 2011
Modified Jul 3, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 3, 2011
Modified Jul 3, 2011
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In 2010, nearly a billion dollars worth of fireworks were sold in the US. This year stands to be even more successful, and for most of the country, they're becoming an essential (and legal) part of the holiday. Just not in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts or Delaware, the only 4 states that ban them. Long Island resident Eric Smith, who lost his arm trying to set off a mortar last year, says it's for a good reason. "Don't light fireworks. Don't trust them," he tells Newsday (paywall), "That one-in-a-million chance will get you. It got me."
Smith was hosting his yearly backyard party last July, when the bootleg "3-inch-wide steel pipe" he was using as a launcher became too hot, causing the mortar to instantly explode before he could get away. The explosion severed his arm in front of his 50 guests. "It opened my eyes to life," Smith says, "I'm still here. I thank God every day I wake up."
Counties across the country that had previously banned fireworks, have allowed them this year to prevent the potential revenue from slipping away. A commissioner in Hawkins County Tennessee tells the Times, "I'm tired of other counties sucking us dry. It's a concern when our tax dollars fund services in surrounding counties and we need to improve infrastructure at home." According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, firework-related injuries decreased last year to 8,600 from 10,900 in 1991.
As fun as the occasional bottle rocket or roman candle is, given the NYPD's attitude, you're probably better off checking out the Macy's fireworks, or let your neighbors break the law and watch their illicit displays from the roof.
Tagged
bottle rockets
fireworks
fourth of july
july 4th
long island
nypd
roman candles
safety
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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