June 16, 2004
Sand: A Danger to Self and Others
It's my civic duty to report this stuff. Sand is a menace. A MENACE, I say.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although it rarely happens, children can be killed while playing in sand. "Sand dunes, beach digging, and other areas of substantial sand buildup, including deep backyard sandboxes, represent the greatest risk," researchers warn.Not to demean the deaths of two human beings, but...sand? We've all heard of quicksand because, by golly, we played Pitfall! as children. But this other stuff, don't you feel safer now that you know? Cancel that plane ticket to Tatooine yet?
The cases of two children illustrate the potential hazard. In one instance, a 10-year-old boy was killed when the tunnel he was digging in his large backyard sandbox collapsed and buried him. In the other, another 10-year-old died after a sand pile buried him at the construction site where he and his friends were playing.
Both boys died of suffocation due to the pressure of the sand on their chests.
Next week, we discuss the dangers of pink plastic spoons. And, next month, safety experts will host a forum regarding proper fitting of your helmet before you play in the sand. In 2006, it'll be the law.
hln
Posted by hln at June 16, 2004 08:27 PM | Health | TrackBack
That is some backyard sandbox.
Posted by: Brian J. at June 16, 2004 08:30 PM" Although such accidents appear few and far between -- only 15 have been reported in the medical literature -- parents should be aware of the potential danger, according to the researchers."
Sorry, but if only 15 have ever been reported, then there is no need to make parents aware.
And I can't believe "sand-death" needs its own set of "researchers".
Which is probably actually a euphemism for "bored Googlers".
Posted by: Harvey at June 17, 2004 07:31 AMI think this crisis needs a quick and decisive response. There are tons upon tons of sand in America for every American, when there is no reason for the average American to own even ONE ton of sand.
We need tough sand control. First, we need to get this sand out of the hands of children and criminals, and then we need sand registration. Once someone has shown that they need the sand, then they should complete a sand safety training class and then, if thier local law enforcement approves, they should be able to buy a few pounds of sand a month.
Posted by: Phelps at June 17, 2004 01:29 PMIf sand is outlawed, only outlaws will have sand!
Posted by: Brass at June 18, 2004 10:58 AM
