Researchers from Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas, have issued a warning to parents and caregivers about the dangers of tossing babies and young children into the air in rooms with ceiling fans. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, around 2,300 children were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for head injuries between 2013 and 2021. The most common injury was laceration, affecting 60% of the patients. Other injuries included contusions or abrasions, concussions, and fractures.
The study found that children under the age of 3 were at double the risk of being injured when lifted or tossed into the air. The researchers analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for patients under 18 years old who were seen for ceiling-fan related injuries to the head, face, eyeball, mouth, or ear.
Lead researcher Holly Hughes Garza explained that most of these injuries occurred in two ways. The first was when babies or small children were lifted into the air around a moving ceiling fan. The second was when older children were using bunk or loft beds, or jumping or climbing on furniture too close to a ceiling fan and getting hit in the head.
The study had some limitations, as it only represented children who were injured seriously enough to go to the emergency room. There may be many more children who experience minor injuries and do not require ER care. Additionally, the researchers were not always able to determine the type of fan involved in the incidents, and they could not gather information on race, ethnicity, geographic location, or insurance coverage of the families involved.
To prevent these injuries, the researchers recommend that families consider ceiling fans as part of childproofing their homes, similar to electrical outlets or sharp corners. They also suggest re-evaluating building and electrical codes, adding warning labels to ceiling fans and bunk beds, and improving the quality and clarity of medical data reporting.
While studies from other countries suggest that ceiling fans with metal blades are the most dangerous, these fans are not common in the U.S. Residential ceiling fan blades are typically made from wood, veneers, plastic, or tropical materials like wicker or bamboo. However, it is still important for parents to be cautious when lifting children above shoulder level and to avoid placing tall furniture like bunk beds close to a ceiling fan.
Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, emphasized the importance of including ceiling fans in childproofing efforts. She compared it to considering electrical outlets or sharp corners when ensuring a safe environment for children.
In related news, the Biden administration is proposing a rule that would require ceiling fans to be more energy-efficient, aiming to save on energy costs. The Department of Energy is “cracking down” on ceiling fans to promote energy conservation.
Overall, the researchers stress that these injuries are largely preventable, and it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the hazards associated with ceiling fans and take necessary precautions to keep children safe.
What are the potential dangers of lifting or tossing babies and young children near ceiling fans?
Ency room and may not capture all cases of head injuries related to ceiling fans. Additionally, the study did not provide data on the long-term effects or outcomes of these injuries.
However, the findings highlight the potential dangers of lifting or tossing babies and young children into the air near ceiling fans. Parents and caregivers are urged to be cautious and aware of the risks associated with these actions.
To prevent such injuries, the researchers recommend keeping children away from ceiling fans altogether. They suggest that parents should avoid swinging or tossing babies and young children near ceiling fans, and ensure that older children are aware of the dangers and don’t engage in activities near ceiling fans that could lead to injury.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of childproofing the household environment. This includes maintaining a safe distance between furniture and ceiling fans, securing furniture to the wall to prevent tipping over, and using safety gates or barriers to restrict access to areas with ceiling fans.
Overall, this research serves as a reminder to parents and caregivers to prioritize safety and be mindful of potential hazards in the home. By taking appropriate precautions, they can help protect their children from preventable head injuries related to ceiling fans.
