Hidden Hazards
Why Kids Are at Risk

Children are at risk from hidden hazards due to their curiosity, tendency to put things in their mouths, and their size. Lack of supervision increases the risk for some of these hazards.  Some result from activity that comes naturally to children.  Others result from products that just don’t mix with kids. 

Some of the most common hidden hazards:

• Aerosolized Cans - An estimated 2,180 children   ages 14 and under were treated in hospital ERs for aerosol container-related injuries.

• All-Terrain Vehicles - All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are three- or four-wheeled motorized machines that are specifically designed for off-road travel. In 2002, at least 44 children ages 14 and under died and nearly 30,300 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for all-terrain vehicle-related injuries.  ATV-related injuries are six times more likely to result in hospitalization and 12 times more likely to result in death compared to bicycle-related injuries. Never allow children ages 14 and under to operate adult-sized ATVs, snowmobiles or tractors. In addition, never allow extra riders on tractors, mowers, mini-bikes or ATVs. 

• Automobile heat-related deaths - When the outside temperature is 93 degrees Fahrenheit, even with a window cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees in just 20 minutes. In these extreme conditions, children can die or suffer permanent disability quickly. Heat-related deaths often occur when parents leave children alone in a vehicle, or when playing children climb into unlocked cars and can’t get out.

• Bleacher falls - At least four children have died from bleacher-related falls since 1988. In 2001, more than 10,500 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bleacher-related injuries. The majority of these injuries and deaths are due to falls.

• Bunk beds - In 2001, nearly 35,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to bunk beds. Children are injured due to falls (greatest risk), entrapment in guard rails and suffocation due to falling mattresses or foundations. It is estimated that 10 children die each year after becoming trapped in bunk beds.

• Fireworks - Fireworks displays hosted by professionals are a safe and festive way to celebrate a holiday. However, more than 4,700 children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms in 2001 for injuries from firework activities. And illegal fireworks aren’t the only culprits: firecrackers, rockets and sparklers, legal in many states, cause the bulk of emergency room-treated injuries. 

• Lawn mowers - Each year, more than 8,300 children under the age of 14 receive hospital emergency room treatment for lawn mower-related injuries. About one-fourth of these injuries occur to children under the age of 5. 

• Pool drains - Spending time in a pool, whirlpool, spa or hot tub can be great fun for kids. However, the strong suction caused by drains can cause serious injury or drowning when hair or body parts become trapped. Since 1985 at least 36 people have died and 111 have been seriously injured, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

• Shopping cart injury - In 1999, nearly 23,600 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with shopping carts. Children ages 4 and under accounted for the majority of these injuries. Children can suffer cuts, bruises, fractures, concussions and even internal injuries when they jump or fall from a shopping cart, the cart overturns, they get pinched in the folding mechanism or they fall against or are hit by a cart. 

• Sledding - Nearly 14,900 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms in 2001 for injuries related to sledding. Children are especially at risk when not sledding on open terrain or when equipment is not inspected for wear or breakage.

• Trunk entrapment - At least 19 children have died from unintentional trunk entrapment since July 1987. All children involved were 6 years old or younger. Unintentional entrapments typically occur during children’s games or exploration, or while retrieving items from the trunk. Heat stroke is the most common cause of death associated with unintentional trunk entrapment.

• Wired glass - Wired glass is commonly used in windows and doors of schools and recreation centers where fire-rated glass is required. While wired glass protects against fire, it is only about half as strong as ordinary glass, and can be extremely dangerous upon impact. Many children have suffered serious injuries from the shattered glass and exposed wires, including permanent nerve damage and amputations.

• Other hidden hazards:

Clothing with drawstrings
Window-covering cords
Five-gallon buckets and other water hazards
Latex balloons
Open window falls
Used cribs

• Hidden Hazards
• Protecting Your Family
• Protecting Communities

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