Press Release: NFA Study Proves No Rational Basis Exists for CPSC’s Proposed Ban on Powdered Metals



WASHINGTON – The National Fireworks Association (NFA) today delivered to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) a test report with empirical data proving that the proposed powdered metals ban lacks a rational basis because it would permit more energetic burst charges than those that it bans.  

The test report from a DOT-approved explosive test lab compared the energy outputs of two burst charges—one that would be banned by the proposed rule and the other that would be allowed.  The testing showed that the burst charge that would be banned under the proposed rule has less explosive energy than the burst charge that would allowed. Further, the burst charge that would be banned is less expensive and less susceptible to ignition by shock or impact than the burst charge that would be banned.  In other words, the CPSC’s proposed rule would result in more energetic, more expensive, and less stable fireworks than those that have been safely enjoyed by American consumers for years.      

“Safety is the greatest concern to the NFA,” said Nancy Blogin, Executive Director of the National Fireworks Association.“We remain committed to the belief that this proposed NPR will not make consumer fireworks any safer. 

The study compared the burst charges of a consumer firework shell with 12.5% powdered aluminum (the metals powder) against another with zero powdered metals (the hybrid powder). The results showed that the energy output of the hybrid powder exceeds that of the metals powder. 

“The data shows that banning powdered metals in burst charges of consumer fireworks could lead to less safe and more expensive products”said Blogin. “We’ve shared the data with the CPSC hoping they’ll take this into consideration throughout the rest of their rulemaking process.”

The CPSC will soon consider the proposal to ban powdered metals in consumer fireworks.

About NFA: The National Fireworks Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the safety of consumer fireworks. Importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of commercial fireworks make up the over 1,200 small businesses member companies who operate in the United States. 

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