Hank Silverberg, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Following an injury to a child, Prince William County’s fire department is warning parents about a common party favor.

The favors, commonly called “party snaps” or “party poppers,” are designed to make a small bang when thrown against the ground. However, a young student was injured by one after they were passed around an elementary school.

Fire Battalion Chief Curtis Brodie says party snaps should not be used by kids without adult supervision.

“Supervising is the biggest thing we are looking at,” says Brodie.

The party snaps make a flash when they explode and can be a fire hazard if not properly used.

There’s also concern about videos on the Internet showing kids how to put, five, 10 or even 50 of them together to make a bigger bang.

“The larger quantities could potentially have more of an adverse reaction,” says Brodie.

Parents who want to use the party snaps or similar products are being advised to read the warning labels.

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