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Air Powered Rockets Recalled

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2002 -- Estes Industries 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.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC said there have been 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.

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