Reports of 15 deaths caused by explosions at four illegal fireworks factories in the past few months has prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a warning against illegal fireworks.
The Commission said that many "bootlegged" M-80's, M-100's, and M-1000's made at illegal operations may be offered for sale by unscrupulous dealers who may be distributing them from their residences, garages, or motor vehicles. Since 1978, there have been 21 reported incidents of explosion at illegal fireworks factories, resulting in 25 deaths, 58 injuries, and over $7 million in property damage.
The deaths of 11 people in Tennessee, the site of the most recent illegal fireworks factory explosion, are a stark reminder of how dangerous these illegal fireworks are.
It is not uncommon for bootlegged fireworks to cause blindness or amputation of fingers or hands. Even death to the user or an innocent bystander has occasionally been reported. M-80 salutes, M-l00's, and M-1000 firecrackers (powder-filled silver or red colored cardboard tubes, 3 to 6 inches long with a one inch diameter), cherry bombs, and aerial bombs are classified as banned hazardous substances by the Commission, and as "Forbidden Explosives" by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). It is illegal under federal law to make, distribute, or sell them. They are also banned for use by state laws.
Last year, the use of all types of fireworks injured more than 8,500 people seriously enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Most of the injuries were to children and youths under 20 years old whose hands, faces, and eyes were harmed.
CPSC urges consumers to take the following precautions when using fireworks:
- 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 fireworks 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 which might ignite, Keep water available. Light only one firecracker at a time.
- Soak malfunctioning firecrackers with water to prevent their possible future use.
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.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
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- Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
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