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October 7, 2008 1:18:58 AM CDT

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Bunk Bed Injury Figures Rolled Out

Posted Jun 3, 08 6:20 AM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Bunk bed-related injuries have sent more than half a million young people to the hospital since 1990, WebMD reports. Ohio State University researchers found that boys and young men accounted for 61% of the ER visits. Cuts, bruises, and fractures were the most common injuries, with almost three-quarters of the injuries resulting from a fall. Children under the age of 6 accounted for half of the injured.

Some bunk bed safety tips from the researchers:

  • Make sure a guardrail is fitted to both sides of the top bunk with a gap no bigger than 3.5 inches
  • Use a properly sized mattress
  • Don't let kids under 6 sleep in the top bunk
  • Keep bunk beds away from fans and other ceiling fixtures
  • Use night lights to make sure the ladder can be seen all night long

Source WebMD

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Researchers discovered there was a spike in bunk bed injuries in people aged 19-21, which they attribute to the large number of people this age sleeping in bunks at college or in the military.   (Shutter Stock)
Bunk beds can save a lot of space but researchers discovered that they can also cause a lot of injuries if close attention isn't paid to safety measures.   ((c) ghindo)
Ohio State University looked at over half a million hospitalizations related to bunk beds since 1990.   (KRT Photos)
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