The Nation - News from June 22, 1988

The Consumer Product Safety Commission blew up turkeys, watermelons and plastic dolls to dramatize the danger of fireworks used on the Fourth of July. Dressed in a white coat and face mask, a commission scientist ignited a round of fireworks near the Washington Monument to simulate some of the mishaps that can occur when explosives are used improperly by children as well as adults. More than 9,000 people sustained injuries last year from fireworks, the commission said. The commission also warned Americans of the dangers of the sparklers many children use on Independence Day.