M-80 (explosive)

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M-80s are a class of large firecrackers, sometimes called salutes.^[1] M-80s were originally made in the early 20th century by the U.S. Military to simulate gunfire; later, they were manufactured as fireworks. Traditionally, M-80s were made from a small red cardboard tube approximately 1½ inches (3.8 cm) long and ⁹/₁₆–⁵/₈ inches (1.4–1.6 cm) in diameter, with a Visco fuse coming out of the side, holding approximately 2½–3 grams of pyrotechnic flash powder.

1 Early use and legislation
2 Modern use
3 See also
4 Notes
5 External link

[edit] Early use and legislation

Due to property damages and bodily harm caused by M-80s, Class C fireworks – now known as Consumer Fireworks (class 1.4G), as opposed to Display Fireworks (was Class B, now 1.3G)^[2] – are no longer allowed to carry more than 50 milligrams of pyrotechnic flash powder. In 1966, M-80s and cherry bombs were banned by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Child Protection Act of 1966. Furthermore, they were then made illegal by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) in the 1970s. In 1976, U.S. federal regulations were passed to limit all consumer-grade fireworks in the United States to a maximum of 50 milligrams flash powder, down from a previous maximum of 200 milligrams (though firecrackers mounted onto a rocket stick, or other aerial firework devices, such as Rockets, Roman Candles, and Cakes, may have up to 160 mg).

Numerous injuries accompanied their use during the 1950s and 1960s, and still occur, as M-80s are still illegally produced. Despite instructions to only ignite the product on the ground (many M-80s even have the words "do not hold in hand" written on the tube^[1]), many users attempt to light an M-80 while holding it, then throw it before detonation. Others attempt to relight a device that went out. M-80s may also contain unstable compositions, which add to the possibility of injury. There have been documented cases of users losing their fingers or hands^[3].

[edit] Modern use

While there are currently many firecrackers sold legally in the United States today under names such as "M-80 Firecracker", "M-8000", or "M-##" (where ## is a number), all of these contain no more than 50 mg of flash powder, and the name is just a lure to make consumers think they are more powerful than they are^[4]. These firecrackers most commonly have a small capsule with up to 50 mg of powder and a fuse in it. Surrounding the capsule is plaster or a similar material, and finally a red tube and two plastic endcaps. Because of the size of these firecrackers, buyers are occasionally deceived into thinking that the entire tube is full. As well, the fuse almost always protrudes from the ends of these firecrackers, as opposed to the middle of the tube in real M-80s. Genuine M-80s have paper endcaps, and contain 40-60 times more powder.

M-80s containing the full original explosive charge continue to be manufactured, bought, and used illegally in the United States. However, in many other countries where regulations are less stringent, large firecrackers such as the M-80 and its equivalents continue to be legally produced, sold, and used.