CPSC Recall in 1999: CPSC, KMC USA Inc. Announce Recall of Flammable Spray String

Updated on January 18, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1999.

Data Source: CPSC.
Recall Number: 99-054
Date: January 20, 1999
Product Name: Party Time "Happy String" cans
Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), KMC USA Inc., of Franklin Park, Ill., is recalling more than 190,000 cans of Party Time "Happy String." The product is hazardous if sprayed near an open flame due to the flammability of the propellant. Because it is a flammable product intended for use by children, it is a banned hazardous substance. Use of the spray string around flame sources, such as candles, could result in serious burns. CPSC is aware of two reports of burns resulting from the use of this spray string. A 4-year-old boy that was burned when some of the string ignited while he was blowing out candles on his birthday cake. He suffered first- and second-degree burns on his face and arm. A woman sustained burns on her ear in another incident. Party Time Happy String comes in round metal spray containers about 5-inches high. The cans are mostly white, with various color plastic caps, and contain 1.75 ounces of liquid chemical. "PARTY TIME" is written on the can in different colored block letters, and "Happy String" is depicted as if it is being sprayed from a can of the spray string. Additional writing on the cans include, "MADE IN KOREA" . . . "IDEAL FOR DECORATING WALLS, TABLES, TREES, PEOPLE, ANYTHING..." "Dollar Tree," "Dollar Bills" and "Only $1" stores nationwide sold the spray string between October 1998 and January 1999 for about $1. Consumers should take this spray string away from children and stop using it immediately. It can be returned to any Dollar Tree store for a refund. For more information, call Dollar Tree Stores at (800) 876-8077 anytime. Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (Transcript). It is about 6 megabytes long and the download time depends upon the speed of your Internet connection.

Hazard Description:

The product is hazardous if sprayed near an open flame due to the flammability of the propellant. Because it is a flammable product intended for use by children, it is a banned hazardous substance. Use of the spray string around flame sources, such as candles, could result in serious burns.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: More than 190,000
Incidents:

CPSC is aware of two reports of burns resulting from the use of this spray string. A 4-year-old boy that was burned when some of the string ignited while he was blowing out candles on his birthday cake. He suffered first- and second-degree burns on his face and arm. A woman sustained burns on her ear in another incident.

Sold At:

"Dollar Tree," "Dollar Bills" and "Only $1" stores nationwide sold the spray string between October 1998 and January 1999 for about $1.

Manufactured In:

Korea