Balloons and Uninflated Balloons Safety
When parents think of toy choking hazards, they often think about small toy parts, marbles, and balls. What may be surprising, though, is that of all children’s products, balloons are the leading cause of suffocation death in children, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Accidents involving balloons usually occur one of two ways. Some children, in an attempt to inflate a balloon, will suck the balloon into their mouth and throat as they take a breath to blow, blocking their airway and causing suffocation. Children that chew on uninflated balloons can also draw the balloon into their throat with the same devastating consequences.
The second way a balloon accident usually occurs is when a balloon breaks into pieces and a child continues to play with the pieces. Balloon bits and pieces are easily sucked into and mold around the throat and lungs, completely blocking a child’s breathing.
Parents may underestimate the danger that balloons can pose, which is why adult supervision is important. The CPSC also recommends the following safety tips to keep children safe when playing with balloons:
- Follow the safety recommendations on balloon packaging-All balloon packaging must contain the following warning by law:
Choking Hazard: Children under 8 yrs can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.
- Supervise-Children under the age of 8 should be completely supervised around balloons, especially uninflated balloons and children under the age of 3 should never be left alone to play with balloons, either uninflated or inflated.
- Discard broken pieces-Younger children are prone to putting things in their mouth making it important to collect and discard pieces of balloons immediately.
- Consider mylar balloons-Mylar balloons do not break into small pieces like latex balloons and are not considered as big as a choking hazard.
- Don’t play with water balloons-The point of water balloons is for them to break. This increases the risk of children being exposed to broken balloon pieces.
- Stay current on child CPR and first aid-You never know when this will be needed to save a life, including the life of your child.
It is impossible to prevent all choking episodes among children, but if you follow these safety guidelines regarding balloons, you may be able to prevent a tragedy from occurring.
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