Related Experiment Videos
Child-resistant containers: are we kidding ourselves?
Insights
Child-resistant packaging failed when a toddler bit through a polystyrene medicine container. Testing revealed these containers fracture below child bite force, indicating a safety risk.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pediatric Safety
Background:
- Childhood accidental poisoning is a significant concern.
- Current medicine packaging standards may not adequately protect young children from ingestion hazards.
Observation:
- A 20-month-old child ingested medication by biting through a polystyrene container.
- This incident prompted an investigation into the mechanical integrity of such containers.
Findings:
- Polystyrene containers (25 and 32 ml) fractured at forces significantly lower than the average child's bite force (392 N).
- The British Standards test (35 N) is insufficient to prevent children from accessing medication through container fracture.
Implications:
- Existing polystyrene medicine containers pose a potential risk to young children.
- Packaging standards require re-evaluation to enhance child safety and prevent accidental poisonings.
Abstract:
A 20-month-old child was accidentally poisoned after biting through the bottom of a medicine container and ingesting the tablets inside. Consequently a study was carried out to determine the force required to fracture 20 randomly selected 25 and 32 ml polystyrene containers to see whether this exceeded the bite force of a child's jaw. Tests were performed at displacement rates of 0.5 and 10 cm/min. All the containers failed at well below the bite force recorded for children, which is 392 N. All containers must conform to a British Standards test that requires that they withstand a force of only 35 N. Clearly this is not enough to safeguard small children. The use of polystyrene containers should be scrutinised closely, as the case of accidental poisoning reported may not be unique.