Aerosol strings and streamers warning

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs warns party-goers that novelty aerosol sprays that throw out strings and streamers can be dangerous when used near a flame or heat source such as a bar heater or light bulb. "We were recently told of an accident at a birthday party where a person was sprayed with aerosol string," says the Ministry’s Trading Standards Manager, Tony Leverton. "The candles were some distance from the person, but the spray ignited and caused second degree burns." Most novelty aerosols contain flammable propellant. "The propellant and contents can ignite when they come in contact with an open flame, and can cause horrific injuries," says Mr Leverton. "The content is a sticky, plastic substance that continues to burn when in contact with the skin."