An order permanently enjoining Mid-South Pyrotechnics of Columbus, Mississippi and its President, Charles E. Beatty from distributing banned fireworks was filed October 2, 1936 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. By a consent decree Mid-South and Mr. Beatty settled a case filed in January 1936 by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The case filed in January was based on CPSC tests of eight different samples of Mid-South firecrackers, commonly known as M-60 Pyro Pops. CPSC investigators purchased the samples at fireworks outlets in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida from June 1934 through August 1985. When tested at CPSC's laboratory, the firecrackers all exceeded the 50-milligram limit, and were therefore determined to be banned hazardous substances under federal law.
The lawsuit sought a court order enjoining Mid-South from continued violation of federal law by distributing firecrackers that exceed the 50-milligram limit, and requiring Mid-South to establish a regular testing program to ensure future compliance with federal law.
The lawsuit sought a court order enjoining Mid-South from continued violation of federal law by distributing firecracker that exceed the 50 milligram limit, and requiring Mid-South to establish a regular testing program to ensure future compliance with federal law. The order filed with the Court as a result of the settlement requires Mid-South comply with those provisions, and to report periodically to CPSC the names its customers.
The CPSC ban on firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams of explosive chemicals is intended to reduce the risks of injury associated with fireworks devices. CPSC injury estimates show that in 1985, approximately 10,300 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. Forty-two per cent of the victims treated were children under 15 years of age. The most serious injuries are caused by large, banned firecracker devices.
For further information Consumers can call CPSC's toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
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