In 1975, federal regulations were passed to limit all consumer-quality fireworks available for general sale to the public in the United States to a maximum of 50 milligrams of flash powder, compared to a previous maximum of 200 milligrams. Fireworks mounted on a rocket rod, or other fireworks from the air, such as rockets, Roman candles and the larger version of the M-80 (M-1000, etc.), can still have much more, up to 130 mg or more, depending on the device and classification, and can be purchased legally by any American civilian, unless prohibited by state law. M-type aircraft, such as the M-80, M-100, M-250 and M-1000, are not the same as fireworks and are illegal. Police and the ATF also note that many fireworks sold legally to consumers in the U.S. have names and looks designed to mimic the “M-80,” such as “M-80 Firecracker,” “M-8000,” or “M-##” (where ## is a number). These differ considerably from the current “M-80” in that they are subject to regulations for the sale of explosives and fireworks to the general public. [6] These fireworks most often have a small capsule with up to 50 mg of powder and a fuse. Around the capsule there is gypsum or a similar material and finally a red tube and two plastic tips. Due to the size of these fireworks, buyers are sometimes deceived into thinking that the entire tube is full.
In addition, the fuse sometimes protrudes from the ends of these fireworks, unlike the center of the tube in real M-80s. Real M-80s have paper tips and contain 50 to 60 times more powder. The illegal sale of fireworks for consumption is a second-degree offence that is usually punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. Now, under the Fireworks Act of 2017, Pennsylvanians 18 and older can also purchase any consumer fireworks on the shelves, as long as they comply with federal regulations. These include Roman candles, bottle rockets, fireworks and multi-shot repeaters. Some aerial fireworks can only be used by licensed professionals, while others, such as M-80s, M-100s, cherry bombs, and quarter-and-a-half sticks, are still illegal at the federal level. Last summer, New Jersey legalized the purchase and use of certain fireworks — especially portable and terrestrial sparks and novelties like “snakes,” snappers, and party poppers — for people ages 16 and older. As in Delaware, Roman candles, bottles and celestial rockets are taboo. The devices are not legally manufactured, sold, regulated or imported throughout the country. Powerful illegal explosive devices have seriously injured children in Philadelphia in recent incidents, prompting concerns and a warning from the police department. Police say there has been “a significant increase in the use of illegal explosive devices” this summer, resulting in “serious and life-threatening injuries.” Captain Sekou Kinebrew said police had increased the recovery of M-series explosives by at least 50 percent compared to last year, while investigations after the blast doubled over the same period. He did not give precise figures.
M-series devices are classified as “illegal explosive devices” by the ATF, the Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The action makes Pennsylvania part of a trend of revenue-hungry states liberalizing fireworks laws, and means Pennsylvanians — long limited to using novelties like sparks — can now legally buy and light Roman candles and fireworks, and fire bottle rockets and other equipment that fly through the air. Two children were recently injured after using illegal explosives. A 12-year-old boy in Summerdale lost a finger and seriously injured his palm and ankles in his other hand after an illegal firecracker he was holding exploded this week, police said. In the first state, which has some of the strictest laws in place, fireworks are somehow legal — and only the biggest fireworks days of the year: the fourth of July and New Year`s Eve. However, there are still conditions and regulations attached to the law. Display-quality fireworks can only be used by licensed people, and some devices — such as M-80, M-100, cherry bombs, or quarter-and-a-half sticks — remain illegal under federal law.