You see the fireworks-selling tents springing up in parking lots along the roads and streets in Pennsylvania this time of the year … but is the stuff for sale there legal? Well, it depends … the legal products include: sparklers, fire crackers, fountains, bottle rockets, and Roman candles … (SOURCE: Columbia news, views & reviews)

“Americans have a longstanding tradition of enjoying hot dogs, hamburgers and apple pie at family gatherings to celebrate Independence Day. Some festivities also include fireworks. Unfortunately, what may seem like harmless fun with fireworks, can quickly turn into a tragedy.

“In 2014, this became a reality for thousands of families. According to our most recent fireworks report, 11 consumers were killed (up from eight in the previous year) and more than 10,000 (down from more than 11,000) were injured by fireworks.

“Here’s a particularly troubling aspect of these incidents: three of the victims who died were not even present where fireworks devices were being used. Our report describes:

“These reports remind us that improper fireworks use can be deadly to the user and also harmful to friends, loved ones and neighbors. Other fireworks incidents have become deadly when banned, professional or homemade devices are involved.”

Read this article in full at the Consumer Product Safety Commission blogsite.