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November 18, 2024
Gel Blasters | Risks and Precautions
Gel Blasters are fun but come with risks like eye injuries, choking, mold, and more. Read on to learn about the risks and precautions.
>Buy: Toys & Games
Buy: Toys & Games
Gel Blasters, also known as water bead blasters or Orbeez guns, are intriguing toys that shoot water-based gel balls. Although these beads are soft and squishy, there are several potential risks that should be considered before using them.
How to Minimize Risks with Gel Blasters
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with Gel Blasters, consider the following precautions:
|
Precaution |
Explanation |
|
Read the Instructions |
Always read the instruction manual provided with the toy to understand safety guidelines and proper usage. |
|
Wear Protective Gear |
Always wear safety goggles when using Gel Blasters to protect your eyes from potential injury. |
|
Supervise Play |
Gel Blasters are best suited for older children. Younger kids should be kept away from these toys, and older children should be taught not to put the beads in their mouths, ears, or noses. |
|
Secure Beads |
Keep Orbeez beads out of reach of small children to prevent choking hazards. Dispose of any unused, soaked beads properly in the trash. |
|
Avoid Aiming at Faces |
Never aim the blaster at a person’s or animal’s face, especially the eyes. |
|
Prevent Overheating |
If the gun becomes hot during use, stop immediately and allow it to cool down. |
|
Properly Soak Beads |
Ensure that Orbeez beads are soaked for at least 8 hours to prevent the gun from jamming. |
|
Reduce Noise |
If the gun is too loud, use earplugs or silencers to minimize the noise. |
|
Seek Medical Attention if Injured |
In the event of an injury, seek medical help immediately. |
Gel Blaster Risks
Eye Injuries
Eye protection is essential when using Gel Blasters. Doctors warn that any toy that shoots projectiles can pose an injury risk. When fired, most Orbeez beads burst on impact, but some can break into smaller fragments, which may cause harm if they strike sensitive areas, especially the eyes. Manufacturers typically include a warning in the product instructions and provide safety goggles as part of the accessory kit.
Choking Hazards
Orbeez beads are colorful and resemble small candies, making them particularly tempting for children to swallow. Initially about the size of a pea, the beads expand to the size of a marble after absorbing water. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), swallowing Orbeez can be life-threatening.
There has been some debate about the choking risks. One manufacturer demonstrated that Orbeez beads, when soaked in water, grow to a maximum size of 14mm, which they claim will not cause blockage in the intestines and will pass naturally. However, the CPSC has issued warnings about choking risks associated with similar products. Notably, Dunecraft’s Water Balz, which expanded to a dangerous size of 57mm, were eventually banned. The CPSC continues to caution that all water bead toys may pose a choking hazard, particularly if swallowed in large quantities.
Reports from hospitals have documented cases where children swallowed large amounts of these soft gel beads, leading to blockages in their throats or intestines. These incidents often required surgery and extended hospital stays.
Age recommendations are critical, as toy manufacturers include age-appropriate warnings on packaging. It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure safety.
Mold and Skin Irritation
If left unattended for extended periods, Orbeez beads can develop mold and may cause skin irritation upon contact. Always store the beads in a dry, cool place and dispose of them if they show signs of mold growth.
Noise
Some Gel Blasters can be quite loud, which might be uncomfortable for sensitive ears. Consider using earplugs or silencers to reduce noise levels when using the toy, especially in enclosed spaces.
Battery Overheating
In October 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 60,000 Gel Blasters, including the Surge Gel Baster, due to concerns that overheating batteries could ignite and pose a fire risk.
Mistaken as Real Guns
Some Gel Blasters are brightly colored while others are designed with realistic features, resembling AK-47s or Glock pistols. There is concern that these realistic-looking toys could be mistaken for real firearms, particularly in public spaces. Authorities have cautioned against bringing these blasters to schools or other public areas where they could cause panic or confusion.
Additional Risks
- Leaks and Messes: Some Gel Blasters may leak, causing a mess, particularly if used indoors. Always check the gun before use.
- Gun Jamming: If the Orbeez beads are not properly soaked, the gun may jam. Never force the trigger if the gun is jammed, simply empty the container and reload it with properly soaked beads.
Final Thoughts on Gel Blaster Risks
Gel Blasters are generally less dangerous than traditional Nerf or Airsoft guns, but they still come with potential risks, particularly if used unsupervised. While they can provide hours of fun for both kids and adults, it is essential to follow safety guidelines and monitor play to avoid accidents. When used responsibly, Gel Blasters can be a safe and enjoyable activity.
Buy: Toys & Games
Buy:Toys & Games
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gel Blasters safe for kids?
+Can Orbeez balls cause choking?
+How can I prevent eye injuries with Gel Blasters?
+Can Gel Blasters overheat?
+Are Gel Blasters loud?
+Can Gel Blasters look like real guns?
+What should I do if my child swallows an Orbeez bead?
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Gel Blasters are fantastic for outdoor play, but that fun can dwindle when they stop working right. When choosing one of these...
While playing with Gel Blasters, you’ll quickly discover that accuracy is important. Very small factors can affect where your gel ball hits,...
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