Sky lanterns are grounded

The consumer authority is recalling sky lanterns from the local market, as once inflated they can glide onto flammable or highly combustible materials, creating an obvious risk to people and the environment. Sky lanterns are a cloth or paper dome-shaped bag which inflates when hot gases are released from burning fuel.

The sale and use of sky lanterns, sometimes referred to as Chinese or Wish lanterns, was banned in Malta earlier this year following an information exchange between all member states and the European Commission through the EU rapid alert system for dangerous products.

For information people can contact the Technical Regulations division on 2395 2000 or helpdesk.msa@msa.org.mt.