The air gun: toy or weapon?

South Med J. 1996 May;89(5):475-8. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199605000-00004.

Abstract

Originally used in warfare, air guns are commonly used in target shooting, as toys, and as "beginner" guns for children. The projectile force of these weapons can rival that of many conventional handguns. Pneumatic weapons pose a serious threat to the pediatric population, and their potential for serious injury must be recognized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / etiology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Firearms* / classification
  • Frontal Lobe / injuries
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hemothorax / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orbit / injuries
  • Parietal Lobe / injuries
  • Pericardium / injuries
  • Play and Playthings* / injuries
  • Pneumothorax / etiology
  • Thalamus / injuries
  • Thoracic Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds, Gunshot / etiology*