Many Americans choose to ring in the New Year with fireworks, either at home or watching a professional display. With fireworks becoming a regular part of the tradition for various holidays, the industry has seen consistent growth since 1998, even during the recession.
In 2013, display fireworks brought in $328 million in revenue, an $8 million increase from the year before, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA). Display fireworks brought in $141 million in revenue in 1998 and have had revenue increases every year since.
Consumer fireworks have also seen major growth. The $284 million in revenue that the industry made in 1998 has gotten larger each year, with 2013 reaching $662 million in revenue.
Firework consumption reached 186.4 million lbs. in 2013, which was the lowest it has been since 2001. The APA said that extreme drought conditions led to the decreased firework consumption, as firework sales and usage are often prohibited during such weather.
Though fireworks have brought in a lot of money, many people worry about the dangers they could bring.
Most states allow for at least some kinds of consumer fireworks. Only four states currently ban consumer fireworks: Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Five states, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Ohio and Vermont only allow sparklers and other novelty items.
Ohio recently had a bill to legalize consumer fireworks. Senate Bill 386 passed in the Senate in early December, but did not get through the House floor vote after a procedural issue caused the vote end before the bill passed.
Though the bill could possibly be reintroduced next year, some Ohio citizens want to keep fireworks out of the hands of consumers.
Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, spoke out against the bill for safety reasons. He said that increasing exposure to a hazard like fireworks leads to an increase in injury as well.
The APA disagrees, citing a decreased number of fireworks-related injuries as fireworks consumption increased.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends following fireworks safety tips to ensure a safe celebration.
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