While it may be tempting to handle fireworks on the Fourth of July, researchers and doctors say the injuries can be life-altering. Dr. Kari Keys, a plastic surgeon at Harborview Medical Center, found through research that injuries from mortars and shells tend to be more severe than injuries from other fireworks, and at times would result in amputations and permanent blindness. Among teens, injuries from homemade fireworks or modified fireworks, such as sparkler bombs, were more common.  

Injuries that come from exploding fireworks can be permanent, Keys said, reminding us that amputation of fingers or a hand changes a person's ability to work and to care for themselves.