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Kids' Injuries Parallel Rise of Flat Screens: Study

Hospital visits up 41% since 1990

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted May 12, 2009 1:49 PM CDT

(Newser) – The increasing popularity of flat-screen TVs coincides with a rise in child injuries from furniture tip-overs, MSNBC reports. Nearly 17,000 kids were rushed to hospitals after furniture fell on them in 2007, the last year with available data, a study reveals. That’s a 41% increase from 1990. TVs comprised nearly half the falling furniture, and none in the study were properly secured.

The incidents are rising despite increased attention from regulators, who have published voluntary manufacturing standards. But a 100-pound glass structure can only be secured so much. Most victims are under 6 and “simply don’t recognize the danger of climbing on furniture,” a specialist says. Only 3% of injuries required hospitalization, but some 300 kids have died from tipping furniture over the 17-year period.

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Flat screen TVs can fall off walls if they aren't properly secured. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Child injuries from furniture tip-overs increased 41% between 1990 and 2007. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

None of the TVs in the study were properly secured, the researchers say. (©Midtown Crossing at Turner Park)

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If we just take one glance around our house, we see what safety dangers on their level these children can get into. - Yvonne Holguin-Duran, child safety specialist at University Health System

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Kids' Injuries Parallel Rise of Flat Screens: Study