CPSC Warns Of Fireworks Dangers

Following a recent critical injury to a 14 year old male as a result of an explosion in his home while he was mixing explosive chemicals purchased by mail order, the Consumer Product Safety Commission today issued an alert warning consumers of the dangers of using mail order chemicals and other dangerous fireworks.

The victim had ordered certain chemicals from a company which sells them by mail for the purpose of making fireworks in addition to other explosive-type products. While mixing two of the chemicals in a ceramic mortar (bowl) a violent explosion erupted, and the victim was impaled in the lower abdomen by a 2-inch by 3/4 inch fragment of the ceramic mortar (bowl) and received burns to his upper body and arms. There was also extensive damage to the room in which he was working and three other rooms of the house. While the victim survived, in addition to other injuries which he suffered, he may also have lost partial hearing in his right ear.

During 1983, approximately 8,300 persons were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. Over half of these injuries were burns. Seventy-three percent of the injuries were to people under 25 years of age and the majority were male. The most frequently reported body parts involved were eyes, face, hands and fingers.

The Commission has had a regulation since 1976 which limits the maximum powder charge in firecrackers for consumer use to 50 milligrams (772 grains, or less than one-eighth teaspoon). The Commission also has performance and labeling requirements for the permitted Class C fireworks. These include requirements that fireworks fuses must burn for at least three seconds, but not longer than six seconds, that they resist side ignition (fuse should only ignite when heat source applied to tip) and be securely attached. To prevent tip over, fireworks designed to be operated in a standing upright position must have a base that is no less than one-third the height of the device. All fireworks must be properly sealed to prevent leakage of powder during shipping and handling, and must be constructed in a manner to prevent burnout through the sides or blowout through the bottom of the device after ignition.

The Commission is especially concerned about the mail order kits and components for making fireworks since consumers are capable of making fireworks devices containing very large amounts of chemicals which can be extremely powerful and dangerous to the user. These kits can be used to produce fireworks devices which are even more dangerous than illegally sold fireworks such as M-80's and Silver Salutes which have been banned by the Commission.

The Commission believes that fireworks devices continue to be associated with a large number of preventable injuries each year. Even if Class C fireworks meet the government's minimum standards and labeling requirements, consumers should still exercise caution when using them and in supervising their use by children.

The Commission urges consumers to take the following precautions when using fireworks:

- parents should supervise the ordering and use of mail-order "make your own " firework kits or components. Some kit contents can produce dangerous explosive devices.

- Make sure there is a manufacturer's label on all fireworks--and instructions for proper use. Illegally manufactured fireworks rarely have either. Report any sales of illegal fireworks to state or local police departments.

- Store firework in a dry, cool place and avoid rough handling which might damage the fuses.

- Provide adult supervision for children and do not allow very young children to handle fireworks.

- Light fireworks only outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry brush, or anything that might ignite. Keep water available.

- Light only one fireworks device at a time.

- Soak malfunctioning fireworks devices with water to prevent their possible future use.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Commission's Toll Free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.