The Child Accident Prevention Foundation (CAPFSA) wants to warn parents of the dangers of BB guns/pellet guns.

These guns are sold all over South Africa and parents do not always realise the risk and dangers associated with purchasing these guns as toys. Red Cross Children’s Hospital treats numerous children annually in the Ophthalmology Department, for eye injuries caused by BB guns. All of these children were innocent bystanders.

The injuries usually involve the front segment of the eye. Children are usually admitted with bleeding into the eye and are hospitalised for at least five days. All of these children have had at least one operation during their hospitalisation. Once bleeding of the eye occurs, the vision is always affected. Those injuries that do not need hospitalisation normally lead to scarring of the front of the eye (cornea), also affecting the child’s vision.

Being shot by a pellet gun is not the only danger. The Trauma Unit at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital see numerous children who have the plastic projectiles lodged in their noses and ears.

The only safety tip that CAPFSA can provide parents and children to prevent these types of injuries is not to buy bb/pellet guns at all. We feel strongly that these “Toy” guns should be banned as they cause more harm than good and are not suitable for children to play with at all.

Unfortunately there is no legislation to ban these guns and therefore we must count on parents to act responsible. Banning these guns rather than providing warning labels would be the most effective solution to the problem of unnecessary injuries, but until such time we discourage parents from allowing their children to possess any such toy gun.

Do you want your child’s eyes damaged for life? Remember prevention is better and cheaper than finding a cure.

For more information contact: The Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa. Tel: 021 6855208.