Recall: Flammable Spray String Recalled by KMC USA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 21, 1999 Release # 99-054

Company Phone Number: (800) 876-8077 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, KMC USA Inc. Announce Recall of Flammable Spray String

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), KMC USA Inc., of Franklin Park, Ill., is recalling more than 190,000 cans of Party Time "Happy String." The product is hazardous if sprayed near an open flame due to the flammability of the propellant. Because it is a flammable product intended for use by children, it is a banned hazardous substance. Use of the spray string around flame sources, such as candles, could result in serious burns.

CPSC is aware of two reports of burns resulting from the use of this spray string. A 4-year-old boy that was burned when some of the string ignited while he was blowing out candles on his birthday cake. He suffered first- and second-degree burns on his face and arm. A woman sustained burns on her ear in another incident.

Party Time Happy String comes in round metal spray containers about 5-inches high. The cans are mostly white, with various color plastic caps, and contain 1.75 ounces of liquid chemical. "PARTY TIME" is written on the can in different colored block letters, and "Happy String" is depicted as if it is being sprayed from a can of the spray string. Additional writing on the cans include, "MADE IN KOREA" . . . "IDEAL FOR DECORATING WALLS, TABLES, TREES, PEOPLE, ANYTHING..."

"Dollar Tree," "Dollar Bills" and "Only $1" stores nationwide sold the spray string between October 1998 and January 1999 for about $1.

Consumers should take this spray string away from children and stop using it immediately. It can be returned to any Dollar Tree store for a refund. For more information, call Dollar Tree Stores at (800) 876-8077 anytime.

Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (Transcript). It is about 6 megabytes long and the download time depends upon the speed of your Internet connection.