To the Editor.— The recent article by Wintemute et al 1 was enlightening in its discussion of the factors contributing to unintentional deaths due to the use of firearms among the pediatric population. The large number of these accidental shootings and the tragic circumstances in which they happen, as described by the authors, are sobering. Not discussed was the morbidity also incurred by unintentional firearm use. In addition to the more than 1000 pediartic fatalities occurring in the United States annually, there are more than 8000 nonfatal injuries due to firearm use as well. 2 Combining these statistics with those for deaths and injuries incurred during intentional use of firearms in all age groups, more than 30 000 fatal shootings and 100 000 to 150 000 woundings each year, makes the seriousness of the problem of children and guns even greater. 3 Use of firearms accounts for a significant proportion