Yes, our smoke grenades are 100% legal for consumer use. With that being said, it ultimately comes down your state/county so it's always a good idea to check with them regarding your smoke grenade usage.

Generally speaking, yes civilians can buy smoke grenades. However, it is important to note that just because you can buy smoke grenades, you should still confirm you can use smoke grenades. There are several counties that allow for the purchase of smoke grenades, but not the use of them (very odd).

Smoke grenades work by releasing a colored smoke screen, and they're often used for signaling, marking locations, or creating smoke screens for various purposes such as military or tactical exercises, airsoft, and paintball games. Here's a basic overview of how they work:

1. Composition: Smoke grenades typically contain a pyrotechnic composition that, when ignited, produces smoke. This composition often includes a fuel (such as charcoal or sulfur), an oxidizer (like potassium nitrate), a moderator (to control the reaction speed), and a dye to color the smoke.
2. Ignition: To activate a smoke grenade, a user typically pulls a pin to ignite a fuse. In some designs, the fuse heats a combustible material inside the grenade, starting the chemical reaction.
3. Smoke Generation: Once the fuse burns down to the pyrotechnic composition, the heat from the combustion decomposes the dye. This process releases colored smoke. The combustion is usually a low-explosive reaction, meaning it doesn't produce a significant blast but generates enough heat to vaporize the dye.
4. Release of Smoke: The pressure built up inside the grenade forces the smoke out through holes or vents in the casing. The smoke is then dispersed by the wind, creating a smoke screen or a visible marker.
5. Duration and Intensity: The amount and duration of the smoke produced depend on the size of the grenade and the composition of the pyrotechnic material. Some grenades produce smoke for a few seconds, while others can last several minutes.

Believe it or not, we've found that our smoke grenades actually perform better the older they are. You'll see longer output and more vibrant colors the older it gets. From a regulation standpoint, we do have to put an expiration date on them which is 10 years from the manufactured date.

Yes, smoke bombs can absolutely stain clothing and surfaces if you're pointing the device directly at it within 1 foot. Additionally, there are some other factors at play when it comes to smoke grenades staining:

Contact Duration: The longer the smoke is in contact with a surface, the more likely it is to leave a stain. Quick exposure might not leave noticeable marks, but prolonged exposure increases the risk of staining.

Surface Type: Non-porous surfaces like metal or sealed stone are less likely to be stained than porous surfaces. However, even on non-porous surfaces, residues might need to be cleaned off to prevent any long-term effects.

If you're concerned about staining, it's best to use smoke grenades in open, well-ventilated areas away from surfaces you're worried about staining. We are not held liable for any damage to clothes or surfaces.

Our smoke grenades last for 70-100 seconds, we've even had a couple get close to the 120 second mark.

Ring-pull smoke grenades are no longer exempt from federal explosive regulations, meaning a federal explosive license is required to purchase. This was announced In November of 2023, you can read the full statement from the ATF here.

Yes, attempting to make a smoke grenade on your own can be very dangerous for several reasons:

1. Handling of Chemicals: The creation of smoke grenades involves handling various chemicals that can be hazardous. Improper handling or mixing of these chemicals can lead to dangerous reactions, including explosions, fires, and the release of toxic fumes.
2. Risk of Explosion: If the composition is not balanced correctly, there's a risk of unintended explosion. This could cause serious injuries or property damage.
3. Exposure to Toxic Fumes: Many of the chemicals used in smoke grenades can be toxic, and inhaling their fumes can be harmful. Without proper knowledge and safety equipment, there's a significant risk of poisoning or respiratory issues.
4. Legal Implications: In many places, the manufacture of pyrotechnic devices like smoke grenades is regulated or outright illegal without proper licenses. Unlawful production can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
5. Lack of Quality Control: Industrial or professionally made smoke grenades are subject to rigorous quality control and safety standards. Homemade devices lack these controls, increasing the risk of malfunction or accident.
6. Risk of Fire: The ignition and burning process in smoke grenades can easily start fires, especially if used in a non-controlled environment or close to flammable materials.

Due to these risks, it is highly advised not to attempt to make smoke grenades on your own. Leave the smoke bomb production up to the experts :)

Unfortunately, we are strictly online at the moment. You can purchase our smoke grenades legally on our website at www.shutterbombs.com

Unfortunately, our smoke grenades are not legal in California as they have one of the strictest laws and regulations surrounding pyrotechnics and explosives.

Absolutely! Our smoke grenades are perfect for photography. We've been the leading supplier for photographers wishing to use awesome smoke bombs for the last 5 years.

In the United States, the legality of buying smoke grenades can vary depending on state and local laws. Generally, smoke grenades are legal for civilians to purchase and use, but there are some important considerations:

1. State and Local Regulations: While federal law doesn't generally prohibit the sale of smoke grenades, state and local regulations can vary significantly. Some states may have restrictions or outright bans on the sale and use of smoke grenades.
2. Age Restrictions: Many states have age restrictions for purchasing smoke grenades, often requiring buyers to be 18 years or older.
3. Purpose of Use: Smoke grenades are often used for purposes like paintball, airsoft, photography, training exercises, and emergency signaling. However, their use might be restricted in certain contexts, such as in densely populated areas or during times of high fire risk.
4. Fire Hazard Concerns: In areas prone to wildfires, there may be additional restrictions or bans, especially during dry seasons.
5. Permits and Licenses: For certain uses, particularly professional or commercial applications, you might need a permit or license to purchase and use smoke grenades.
6. Transportation and Storage: There may be regulations governing the transportation and storage of smoke grenades, given their pyrotechnic nature.

To ensure compliance with laws, it's important to check the specific regulations in your state and local area. Additionally, buying from a reputable dealer who adheres to state and federal regulations is advisable. This is especially true as the legal landscape can change, and it's important to have the most current information.

While our smoke bombs are composed of non-toxic chemicals/smoke - inhaling smoke of any sort is never recommended. So yes, smoke grenades can be bad for your lungs and it's never recommended to take deep breaths. Given these risks, it's important to use smoke grenades in well-ventilated outdoor areas and to minimize direct inhalation of the smoke. If you're using smoke grenades for activities like training, airsoft, or paintball, wearing protective gear, including masks or respirators, can help reduce exposure. Additionally, individuals with respiratory issues should be particularly cautious and might want to avoid exposure altogether.

Smoke grenades are generally not classified as explosives in the traditional sense, but rather as pyrotechnic devices. Here's the distinction:

1. Explosives: The term "explosive" typically refers to a substance or device that causes a sudden, rapid, and violent release of energy, usually accompanied by a loud noise, heat, and a shockwave. Explosives are designed to work through a process of detonation, where a shock wave passes through the material at supersonic speeds, causing a violent and destructive expansion.
2. Pyrotechnic Devices: Smoke grenades fall under the category of pyrotechnic devices. Pyrotechnics are designed to produce a specific effect using fire or heat, such as light, smoke, or sound, without a violent explosion. The reaction in a smoke grenade is more controlled and slower than a detonation. It's designed to burn at a rate that produces smoke without an explosive blast.
3. Classification and Regulation: In terms of regulation and classification, smoke grenades are usually governed under laws related to fireworks and pyrotechnics, rather than those strictly regulating explosives. However, transport and storage of large quantities of pyrotechnics, including smoke grenades, can sometimes fall under regulations similar to those for explosives due to their potential fire hazard.
4. Safety and Usage: While smoke grenades are not explosives and generally pose less risk of violent injury, they still require careful handling due to their potential to start fires, cause burns, or produce harmful fumes.

This classification can vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to refer to local laws and regulations to understand how smoke grenades are classified and what rules apply to their sale, possession, and use in your specific location.

Shipping smoke grenades involves several regulations and considerations due to their classification as hazardous materials. While it's extremely hard for the average citizen to comply with all the restrictions; we have our hazmat shipping down to a science!