The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) has urged the UK government to introduce graphic warning images on firework packaging showing the potential injuries caused by misuse.
Image: BAPRAS is calling on government to introduce graphic warning images on firework packaging. Photo: courtesy of BAPRAS.
BAPRAS is calling on government to toughen regulations across firework packaging and make it compulsory to display graphic warnings.
Multiple life altering injuries occur across the country every year, even after conducting awareness campaigns and issuing repeated safety warnings.
BAPRAS is considering that revamping of firework packaging will help reduce the growing number of unnecessary and life-changing injuries resulting from the misuse of fireworks.
YouGov’s research has demonstrated that around 70% of parents in Great Britain are supporting the introduction of graphic warnings on firework packaging to prevent inappropriate handling and warn of the potentially life-changing consequences to the user in moments immediately before use.
BAPRAS president and consultant plastic surgeon David Ward said: “We are extremely concerned about the continued misuse of fireworks, particularly by those under the age of 18 away from organised events.
“Although packaged in a jovial, toy-like fashion, people forget that when using fireworks, they are handling explosives which can cause extremely serious injuries that may require extensive reconstructive surgery.
“With many of our surgeons having to attend to these types of injuries each year, BAPRAS are calling on the Government to make a common-sense change by legislating to ensure all firework packaging in the UK includes mandatory graphic warning notices, similar to those found on cigarette packaging.”
According to BAPRA, the responsible marketing is increasing for products that are expected to create threat to health and wellbeing, including gambling, alcohol and cigarettes.
Greater legislation in Northern Ireland has helped to reduce injuries in the region.
In 2002, the legislation was introduced, which make it mandatory to have a license to purchase category two or three fireworks, enabling to significantly reduce injuries.
Northern Irish consultant plastic surgeon and BAPRAS member Alistair Brown said: “Every year, plastic surgeons across the UK are required to perform costly emergency reconstructive surgery due to the misuse of fireworks, with people often losing large portions of their hand or receiving severe facial injuries.”