One Third of Fireworks Injuries in Iowa are People Watching Others Set Them Off

(Iowa City, IA) Fireworks injuries are up 73 percent since Iowa legalized them a few years ago.  A University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics research scientist says hand and finger injuries are the most common, including loss of fingers.  Eye injuries are also common.  Doctor Colette Galet says 33 percent of the people injured by fireworks are watching the fireworks, not setting them off.   The Iowa Department of Public Safety says spectators should be at least 20 feet away from fountain-style fireworks and at least 40 feet from aerial fireworks.