Title: Experts Warn Parents of Common Household Items Putting Kids at Risk of Injury
Date: October 20, 2023
By: Brooke Kato
Experts have identified a number of household items that pose a significant risk to children and frequently lead to emergency room visits. The research, set to be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, highlights the dangers of scalding curling irons, tiny desk magnets, and speedy electric scooters.
A study conducted by pediatrics emergency medicine physician Dr. Leah Middelberg at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, emphasizes the hazards associated with desk magnets. These stress-relieving spheres are often used as fidget toys but can be easily ingested by children, leading to potential blockages or injuries if attracted to one another internally. Middelberg’s research, based on data from 25 hospitals across the United States between 2017 and 2019, revealed nearly 600 magnet-related accidents, indicating a significant increase over the past six years.
To address this issue, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently approved a new standard for magnets, requiring them to be either too large to swallow or weak enough to minimize internal injuries if swallowed. Dr. Middelberg hopes these new regulations will help reduce the number of incidents involving children and magnets.
Another common household item posing a danger to children is curling irons. These hair styling tools can reach temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a burn hazard for young children who may be curious and unaware of the potential danger. Dr. Brandon Rozanki, a pediatric resident at Honolulu’s Tripler Army Medical Center, analyzed the data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and found 31,000 hair tool-related burn injuries in individuals under the age of 24 between 2013 and 2022.
Additionally, electric scooters have become a cause for concern, particularly among teenage boys aged 16 to 18. Research conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia revealed a 71% surge in electric scooter-related injuries from 2020 to 2021, with head injuries being the most common. The study emphasized the importance of wearing helmets while using electric scooters, as 67% of the injured patients were not wearing one at the time of the accident. The researchers recommend implementing more bicycle and scooter lanes and educating riders about road safety to prevent such incidents.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. J. Todd Lawrence warned against purchasing high-speed electric scooters for young children, advising parents to consider the age and capabilities of their children before allowing them to ride. He stressed the unnecessary risk associated with allowing teenagers to operate high-speed scooters.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential dangers posed by seemingly harmless household items and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children. Proper supervision, safe storage, and education about the risks associated with these objects can help prevent unnecessary injuries and emergency room visits.