The name of these types of weapons seems harmless, but if your teenager is interested in one of them, you should pay close attention to their safety Luftpistol.
These non-powder weapons look like real guns and are sold at sporting goods stores and other retail stores. Children use them to shoot 6-millimeter rubber slugs at targets or to shoot at each other.
“Its name is quite misleading,” said Eliot Nelson, MD, FAAP, an injury prevention expert with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “No one should be allowed to use them without proper eye protection.”
What is the risk?
People who do not wear eye protection are at risk for eye injuries, according to the AAP. Shots fired with compressed air can hit the eyes and cause scratches, painful pooling of blood in the eyes, dislocated lenses, or blindness.
The AAP recommends that children wear protective glasses like those used with paint guns. Make sure the eyewear label meets ASTM F1776 protective measures.
Not all air guns are the same
Air guns are sold along with other weapons that do not use gunpowder but BBs that shoot small metal spheres, slug guns that shoot lead pellets, and paint guns that shoot gelatinous balls filled with paint. Air, other gases, springs and electricity help fire the ammunition out of the gun or weapon. Gunpowderless weapons have an orange tip so they are not mistaken for the real thing. This tip or mark should not be removed.
BB guns and slug guns are not designed to shoot at people. However, they can kill small animals. “(These) are clearly described as weapons,” Dr. Nelson said.
BB guns and paintball guns are designed to shoot other people in the game. These can cause hives or welts on the skin, but they are not supposed to break the skin. “They prick or sting. Wear protective clothing if you don’t want to feel the prick,” Dr. Nelson said.
For these reasons, the AAP does not suggest a specific age that it considers safe for the use of air guns. Parents should consider whether the child understands the risks and wears eye protection.