It’s banger out of order
CALL FOR CIG-STYLE WARNINGS
PLASTIC surgeons have been branded snowflakes for demanding firework packages show graphic photos of burns.
They want warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, showing mutilated faces, eyes and limbs.
Industry body the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons says firework boxes often look like toys.
President Mark Henley said: “These are serious explosives and the types of reconstructive surgery being required would not be out of place in a war zone.
“Another year has passed and the Government has failed to take appropriate action to reduce the number of children and young adults who sustain life-changing injuries from the misuse of fireworks.”
The call comes after NHS figures revealed in the past year nearly 2,000 people were treated for firework injuries. One third were under 18. Incidents were more common at private displays, where trained first aiders may not be on hand.
Last month, Sainsbury’s became the first major UK retailer to stop selling fireworks.
But last night Steve Raper, from the British Fireworks Association, branded the call for horror warnings “ridiculous nonsense”.
He said: “There is a huge difference between cigarettes and fireworks. Pictures on cigarette packets show damage you can cause to yourself if you use the product in accordance with the instructions.
“Firework injuries are almost always caused by not following instructions. They are caused by misuse.
“On the surgeons’ logic every car should carry a photo of a road crash.
“It’s the same snowflake mentality behind calls for bans on clapping.”