Fireworks Are Poisons, Too

ALEXANDRIA, VA – America’s 57 poison control centers are reminding parents and caregivers that fireworks are poisons, too, according to Rose Ann G. Soloway, clinical toxicologist with the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C. “Every year around the Fourth of July holiday, people are burned or injured by fireworks. However, fireworks are a poisoning hazard, as well,” Soloway said. “If swallowed by children, adults or pets, the chemicals in fireworks can make them sick.” Fireworks contain chemicals such as potassium nitrate, white phosphorus, barium chlorate, and arsenic.