Imagine those colorful balloons that catch your child’s
attention. Bouncing balloons can bring squeals of laughter as children play
catch or bounce them into the air. Create
a simple science experiment by rubbing a balloon against a sweater, then letting
it loose and watch it fly and stick to the sweater. Balloons also add a decorative
splash to most any event and children often clamor for them when they see them in
the grocery store.
Yet a word of
Caution:
Fully inflated balloons themselves present no dangers to a
child; but when popped those innocent balloons turn into a choking hazard. A
person’s first reaction to loud noises is often a quick gasp inwards. When a
balloon pops it can burst into pieces; fragments of the rubbery material may enter
a child’s mouth and block its airway. Children sometimes like to chew on the balloon
fragments, or accidentally suck them in while attempting to blow the balloon up.
This can block the child’s airway and is life threatening.
Steps to take:
So just be sure to monitor those happy moments when your
children are playing with those colorful balloons.
A.
Make sure that when you need to answer the phone
or check on dinner that you place it away out of your child’s reach.
B.
Immediately pick up any pieces of balloon that
have broken to prevent them from playing with them and possibly inhaling them.
C.
Be sure that balloons are stored away from young
children and that they are not allowed to blow them up.
·
One third of all deaths related to
choking are caused by latex balloons.
·
Children under 4 are
especially at risk and even older children should have adult
supervision.
Static Electricity in balloons: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/balloons
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