Firecrackers’ dangers highlighted

JEDDAH: A total of 20 children have lost their eyesight from 78 admitted to King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital after they suffered injuries as a result of the use of firecrackers, a study revealed yesterday.
Dr. Sami Al-Odhaib, a consultant ophthalmologist who conducted the study, said the children were admitted to the hospital during the past four years, adding that they were aged between 7 and 11.
“Doctors had to remove the eyes of eight percent of these children while 20 percent of them suffered total blindness,” Al-Odhaib said while highlighting the negative impact of firecrackers on children.
He urged parents and guardians to keep a watch on children while they use firecrackers, especially during Eid and other happy occasions. “Children should wear eye protectors while igniting firecrackers,” he said.
Dr. Ali Al-Khairy, another ophthalmologist working at Jeddah Center of Medical Consultants, described firecrackers as time bombs that could hit anybody, causing burns and injuries that could lead to loss of eyesight and hearing ability. “We should use fireworks at specific places or enjoy by just watching them on television.”
Al-Khairy said eye injuries could happen not only by pieces of firecrackers but also by burns caused by its chemicals. “Firecrackers could hit the core of our eyes resulting in total loss of eyesight,” he pointed out.
He urged parents and relatives to take victims to hospital immediately, especially those having ophthalmologists to get quick and specialized treatment.
“Parents should enlighten children about the danger of using firecrackers and should not buy them such dangerous stuff.”
The Civil Defense Department also warned the public against the dangers posed by firecrackers commonly used during Eid celebrations.
“We’ll punish those vendors who sell firecrackers,” said Brig. Abdullah Al-Harithy, spokesman of the department. “Most of our children use firecrackers without taking any safety precautions,” he added.