NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2009
Are Your Halloween Costumes Safe?
Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen Gives the Lowdown on What You Need to Know About Your Kids' Costumes
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An unidentified man sets a costume on fire. Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen set several costumes on fire with Underwriters Laboratories to see how quickly they burn. (CBS)
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Section Susan Koeppen The Early Show's consumer correspondent shares her expertise.
"Early Show" consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen put some popular costumes to the test.
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Koeppen said a big hazard on Halloween is costumes catching on fire because of candles in pumpkins. And while Halloween costumes must meet federal flammability standards, Koeppen said that doesn't mean the costumes won't burn.
With the help of Underwriters Laboratories, a product compliance organization, Koeppen set several costumes on fire using candles and lighters. All of them are currently on store shelves and were purchased from popular retailers.
To see how some popular costumes made of various fabrics performed under the flame and hear Koeppen's safety tips for homemade costumes, click on the video below.
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