Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20001-5403

Phone (202) 842 0200
Fax (202) 842 3490
Contact Us
Support Cato

For Media

News Release

July 1, 2004

Media Contact: (202) 789-5200

Emphasize safety and supervision, don't ban fireworks

WASHINGTON -- Health and safety groups today held a press conference calling for a ban on consumer fireworks use. Radley Balko, Cato Institute policy analyst, made the following comments:

"While one can certainly share the concerns of health and safety groups over the dangers of fireworks, an outright ban would be regrettable. American consumers assume the risks and dangers associated with hundreds of products and activities every day. Most consumers understand that fireworks designed to dazzle and awe with fire and flame should be used with caution and careful attention.

"Accidents and mishaps are an inevitable part of risk, but need to be balanced with consumer choice and preferences -- the joy we get from backyard sparklers after the sun goes down, for example. Better to stress fireworks safety and adult supervision than to impose a moratorium on what has become a well-practiced and traditional part of celebrating America's independence."

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Daily Podcast
Michael F. Cannon - Fed's Share of Health Spending Climbs
1234

Media Contacts

Media Relations Department
(202) 789-5200,

Leigh Harrington, Director of Broadcasting
(202) 789-5204,

Chris Kennedy, Director of Media Relations
(202) 789-5212,

Isabel Santa, Media Relations Manager
(202) 789-5263,

Colin McLain, Media Relations Manager
(202) 218-4613,

Lester Romero, Multimedia Coordinator
(202) 789-5228,

Caleb Brown, Multimedia Producer
(202) 218-4603,

Austin Bragg, Audio Visual Service Manager
(202) 789-5234,

Brian Haynesworth, Audio Visual Assistant
(202) 789-5237,

Andrew Mast, Senior Web Strategist
(202) 789-5284,  

Christopher Moody, Manager of New Media
(202) 789-5215,

Upcoming Studies

"They Spend What?!?," by Adam Schaeffer