IOWA CITY, Iowa — Fireworks injuries more than doubled in Iowa in the four years since a 2017 law legalized their sale and use by consumers, and more of them involve children and require amputation.
Iowa Department of Public Health data shows emergency room visits stemming from fireworks-related injuries rose 114% from 2017 to 2020.
A study this week from the state's two largest trauma centers, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, noted that children have been disproportionately affected by the increase and that more patients are requiring amputation.
“The Fourth of July weekend is always a particular concern," said Dr. Gary Hemann, the medical director for the emergency room at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. "Injuries to hands, burns on the extremities, burns to the face. People shot in the face with fireworks, eye injuries."
The owner of Blazing Glory Fireworks, Carolyn Bradley, said business is booming and that means customers are reminded by staff what is and is not safe for the buyer and how to light them safely.
“You don’t want to pick up one that you think didn’t go off and light it again, because that’s what takes the fingers and stuff off," Bradley said. "You should read all safety instructions on the firework product. Mortar tubes, those tend to be the most dangerous, so those need to be used in their rack and set on a solid level surface. Spectators are at a safe distance. And don’t wear clothing that can easily catch on fire either, polyester and that kind of stuff.”
She continued to explain how goggles are helpful and to never point or shoot fireworks off at others.
This year, 583 licensed sites have sold fireworks.
Jason Abraham, the managing partner of Hupy and Abraham Personal Injury Law Firm, told Local 5 people get injured because they do not understand the type of explosives they have access to.
In Iowa, Abraham has consulted with people who have, "Had injuries to hands, face, arms, and burn type injuries."
The Associated Press contributed to this report