For more information Contact:
Tiffany Esterline, Public Relations
800-753-2265 x. 230

Fireworks can be blinding without proper eye safety

Columbia, MO (June 28, 2004) Did you know a sparkler burns at 1800 degrees Fahernheit, hot enough to melt gold, and yet, sparklers are the cause of 3/4 of all fireworks related eye injuries in children under the age of 5?

Every year fireworks lead to over 2000 eye injuries, 60% occurring in children under the age of 16. With the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation offers the following advice to keep you and your family safe.

• Never shoot fireworks out of a metal or glass container
• Light only one firework at a time
• Always have water near-by
• Always use a punk to light fireworks, instead of matches or lighters
• Know where spectators are, bystanders are hit more often than the person lighting the fireworks
• NEVER attempt to make your own fireworks
• Watch public fireworks displays from at least 500 ft. away|
• Wear protective eyewear while lighting and working with fireworks
• Never allow children to light or handle burning fireworks.

Using a little extra caution could prevent most injuries caused by fireworks. The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation is a statewide not-for-profit organization with the mission to preserve and restore eyesight through the work of our community programs and eye bank operations. MLERF's programs include: Amblyopia Prevention Screening, Eye Care Assistance, Glaucoma Detection Screening, Eyeglass Recycling, Heartland Lions Eye Banks, and Support of ocular research. For more information contact Tiffany at 573-443-1471 ext. 230 or visit our website mlerf.org.

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