Air Powered Rockets
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), Estes Industries, of Penrose, Colo., is
voluntarily recalling about 140,000 Air Powered Rockets. The rockets'
foam tips can break off exposing sharp edges that can cause face
lacerations or eye injuries to consumers. The rocket systems also have
weak pump handles that can break during use, posing a risk of hand
lacerations to consumers.
Estes and CPSC have received 16 reports of rocket tips breaking off.
Six children were struck in the face by the rockets, including two
children who suffered detached retinas and four children who suffered
lacerations that required stitches or sutures. There were 68 reports of
broken pump handles, including six hand lacerations.
The blue, yellow and black GL-X200 Estes Air Powered Rocket Systems
contains two blue rockets with yellow foam tips and are recommended for
children 8 years of age and older. "ESTES AIR" is printed in black and
white lettering in a 6-inch wide yellow oval on the front of the pump.
Underneath the pump appear the words, "Made in China."
Department stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and Zany
Brainy, as well as e-businesses, catalogers and hobby shops sold these
rockets from February 2001 through February 2002 for between $20 and
$40.
Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and call Estes
Industries toll free at (800) 576-5811 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT for
information on how to get a replacement rocket. For more information,
consumers can log on to the company's website at www.estesrockets.com.
Rocket pumps that have a label that reads, "WARNING: Stay away from
rocket when pumping and launching" are not included in this recall.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) visit the CPSC's web site.
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