Legislation and an Increase in Fireworks Injuries

 ED visits at two level 1 trauma centers were reviewed to compare pre-legislation and post-legislation firework related injuries. Ed visits and pediatric admissions increased after allowing fireworks. The injury sites were similar pre- and post-legislation; almost half to hands followed by eyes and face). Amputations went from 0 to 16.2%!

In 2017 Iowa ended a statewide ban on retail fireworks sales, though local governments could have their own rules. The state allows the sale and use of fireworks from June 1 – July 8 and December 10 – January 3. If I read the law correctly, novelty fireworks are always allowed. Firework use is limited to certain hours of the day, and the only age limitation I found was that you must be 18 to purchase. In 2022 the locals were no longer allowed to ban the sale of fireworks in commercial or industrial zones.

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