Invited Critique

Abstract

This editorial offers a discussion of burns sustained by children caused by the accidental explosion of Snap-Caps (ie, Snappers, Pop-Pop Snappers, Monster Snaps, or Bang Snaps). The sale of explosive devices deemed 'safe' for children 8 years or older poses an oxymoron for adults who legislate safety requirements for any pyrotechnic device to be sold to the public. Although the amount of explosive per snap-cap is relatively harmless, these units are usually sold in bags of 50. When multiple units are detonated simultaneously, the resulting explosive reaction is additive and is capable of causing serious injury. Is it coincidental that all the patients discussed herein were boys carrying multiple snap-caps in the same pocket of their trousers? Is it merely an oversight that neither the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) nor the manufacturers did not think of the possibility that multiple units exploding together were no longer 'safe'? Despite the CPSC's report of a significant decline in firework injuries during the past few years (except for the year 2000), the fact is that most of the injuries that do occur are in teen and pre-teen age boys. This paper reports that, in the year 2001, half of the firework-related injuries occurred in children younger than 15 years of age and supports the statistical conclusion that a disproportionate number of injuries occur in the 10- to 14-year-old age group when compared with the population as a whole. We question the claim that snap-caps can be sold as a safe alternative to conventional firecrackers. Although there were no deaths in these children, a 'prudent observer' would conclude that snap-caps pose an unacceptable risk to children and adolescents even when they are used as indicated. We believe that the CPSC should take a closer look at these 'safe' firecracker substitutes. If they cannot be removed from the market completely, then perhaps limiting the packaging to less than 10 units per package, initiating packaging warnings, and limiting the sale of snap-caps to children would decrease the number of injuries. Educational literature distributed through our burn centers also should promote adult education related to these hazards and urge parental or adult supervision when children are given these devices for play toys.