April
18, 2002
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 has 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 http://www.estesrockets.com/recall.html.
Rocket pumps that have a label that reads, "WARNING: Stay away from rocket
when pumping and launching" are not included in this recall.