As the 4th of July approaches, get ready to see a spectacle of fireworks, fireworks, and even more fireworks. In fact, the sales of your favourite sparklers and bottle-rockets have reportedly increased for the past years, according to CBS News.

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However, as more fireworks explode, the more people are at risk from either getting injured or sick from pollution.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that around 10,500 people in the country were hurt, while 11 died last year due to incidents related to fireworks.

If you thought that only those using fireworks are the only ones at risk, think again. In fact, three of the 11 killed were said to be bystanders only, including a 19-year-old and an elderly couple who were found dead inside a house set on fire by fireworks of other people in the area.

Because 65 percent, or the majority of fireworks injuries per year happen on during the Independence day festivities, CPSC tells everyone, especially the parents, to be more cautious during the days nearing July 4th. Children under 15 are reported to have the highest rate injury with 40 percent of patients.

In terms of the most injured body parts, the hands and face are the most common targets.

The reason why children are mostly the patients to this kind of injury is the increase of sales of sparklers. With their small size and seemingly harmless burn, they have temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees. This kind of heat can melt metal, what more a child's skin.

Burn injuries are not the only problem during this holiday.

A recent study shows that during July 4 in the evening, there is an insane increase of the levels of airborne microscopic particles that can be dangerous to one's health.

In line with this, the Environmental Protection Agency released a statement reported by Pilot.com, warning that children, elderly, and those with heart and lung diseases to be careful to particle pollution linked to the fireworks.

Fireworks are banned from three states, namely Delaware, Massachusetts and New Jersey. And for those who are about to celebrate the 4th of July with a bang, Dr. Brad Uren from the University of Michigan advised to always keep water and fire extinguisher close to your area; have an assigned person to be the only lighter; carefully follow the instructions written;  and never, ever, try to reuse a dud firecracker.

TagsJuly 4, 4th of July, Independence Day, fireworks, Health news, fire