P.M. BRIEFING : Aerosol Streamers Recalled

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall today of more than a million cans of aerosol string streamers, warning that the party product can catch fire when sprayed near an open flame.

Commission Chairwoman Jacqueline Jones-Smith said the voluntary recall by five companies is being conducted “because of several terrifying accidents that occurred when this type of product was sprayed near lit candles on birthday cakes and burst into flames.”

The aerosol cans, which are used like confetti at parties, are flammable because of the propellant they use, officials said.

The recall involves about 1.13 million cans sold nationwide in the last year for less than $5 a can. The aerosol cans have colored plastic caps indicating the color of streamer inside.