Fireworks Recalls Announced by U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced two different fireworks recalls involving over 100,000 products sold between October 2006 and June 2008. The recalls were released in cooperation with the manufacturers on the CPSC.gov website, the day before the Fourth of July holiday.

Home-based fireworks displays pose a substantial risk of injury, especially this time of year. In 2007, approximately 10,000 people were treated at emergency rooms throughout the United States for fireworks burns and other serious injuries. About 64% of these hospital visits occurred during the 30 days surrounding July 4th.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC) has been working to improve the safety of fireworks, by encouraging safe use, enforcing fireworks regulations and halting the sale of illegal explosives. Last year, the U.S. CPSC and Customs Border Protection (CBP) tested over 400 shipments of fireworks and found that 46% contained illegal fireworks that could pose a substantial risk of injury to Americans.

On July 3, 2008, the U.S. CPSC announced that approximately 20,000 “Black Cat Screech and Scream Fountain Fireworks” were recalled because they can unexpectedly scatter debris, potentially causing an injury for users or individuals in the vicinity of where the fireworks are ignited. The products were distributed by Black Cat Fireworks of Prairie Village, Kansas, and sold throughout the United States since October 2006 for approximately $7 each. They are packaged in a red, yellow and black cylinder with “Black Cat” and “Screech and Scream” printed on the front of the tube.

A separate recall was announced the same day for over 84,000 “Oh Chute Parachute with Streamer Fireworks”, distributed by Fireworks Over America, of Springfield, Missouri. The Oh Chute fireworks contain parachutes that could become entangled in power lines, causing a risk of shock for people in the area. At least one report involving an injury caused by the firework has been reported.

The recalled Oh Chute Parachute Fireworks were sold between April 2007 and June 2008 for about $2.50. They are packaged in a light blue cylinder with white clouds. The tubes have “Oh Chute” printed three times on the front, and “FOA #2085″printed on the bottom of the back.

Consumers have been advised not to use either of these recalled fireworks. Refunds can be obtained by contacting Black Cat Fireworks at (913) 649-0537 or Fireworks Over America at (800) 345-3957.