Did you know that the average primary flame blowtorch burns at around 2,000 degrees F?
U.S. Forest Services National Technology and Development says wildland fires typically burn between 1,600 and 2,000 degrees F. Aluminum, brass, bronze, copper and cast iron also can reach melting points at or slightly below 2,000 degrees F.
It’s likely safe to say that parents would never let their children handle a blowtorch, wander into a forest fire nor touch molten metals, yet many seemingly have no concerns about children playing with sparklers during Fourth of July celebrations.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia states people often treat sparklers much too casually, even though they can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees F. Children are allowed to hold and wave these red-hot metal rods like toys. Sparkler sticks pose a serious burn risk, and the sparks can cause additional burns and eye injuries, warns the hospital.
Young children who would not be trusted with other hot materials should not hold sparklers, warn health experts. Older children should be carefully supervised around sparklers and other fireworks.
Those who want to avoid any possible injuries on July 4 and during other summer celebrations, would be wise to avoid sparklers in favor of safer forms of entertainment.
Here are some ideas:
• Glow sticks light up in the dark and can be worn or waved around safely.
• Fill water balloons with a mixture of glitter and water. When the balloons pop, it is a festive display.
• Send children around with canned string products that they can spray on one another. If making a mess isn’t an issue, shaving cream “fights” also can be fun diversions for children.
• Adults should lead by example and leave the fireworks displays to the professionals.
• Purchase battery-powered blinking lights, such as those sold at circuses or concerts. Kids can spend hours running around with them in hand. Less expensive flashlights purchased at a dollar store can create the same effect.
• Let children play with confetti cannons.
• “Snappers” or “poppers” could be an option if they are sold nearby. These are small noisemakers that explode and pop when they are thrown at a hard ground surface.
Sparklers may be festive and beautiful to behold, but they are not designed to be handled by children. Alternatives to sparklers are equally fun and much safer.
