| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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| June 29, 1979 |
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| Release # 79-031 |
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Plastic Ring Caps For Toy Guns Recalled
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 29) -- The Acme Specialties Corporation, an importer of novelty items in River Grove, Illinois, today announced a voluntary recall of thousands of "Three Stars" plastic ring caps which may accidentally explode causing serious burns to the user. This announcement was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The ring caps are commonly used in toy guns to produce a loud report when the trigger is pulled. Each cap consists of a plastic disc measuring 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and 8 cap charges which are positioned within small plastic cups around the outer edge of the disc.
The charges are made with a small amount of friction-sensitive pyrotechnic material which is formed into l/8-inch pellets.
According to CPSC staff and the firm, the charged pellets can accidentally fall out of their protective cups and may explode without warning , possibly resulting in serious burns to the user. In some instances, the caps fired while in children's pockets.
Since mid-June this year, at least five children reportedly have received first and second-degree burns when the caps exploded unexpectedly, according to CPSC staffers. One other child reportedly was burned in February, 1979.
The ring caps are sold six-to-a-set in Clear plastic packages which are labeled, "Three Stars Plastic Ring Caps" and "Made in Taiwan." They primarily have been marketed in the Midwest by 5-and-10-cent stores, including Walgreens, and various other retailers since 1978.
The caps are most frequently sold as a separate item. However, they often appear on display shelves near toy cap guns.
Parents are advised to return all such caps immediately to the retailer for a full refund. Consumers should take extra care to avoid skin contact with the caps, and they should not carry the caps in their pockets.
Anyone who is unsuccessful getting a refund may contact Lawrence Callan of Acme Specialties Corporation by calling 312/453-7121. They also may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.