Homemade Blowgun Darts Could Result in Life-Threatening Complications

Homemade projects might not seem dangerous, but a new study shows that some can be extremely detrimental to your health.

Physicians reported in three separate cases that teen boys attempting lance home-made darts inhaled a great deal of the metallic, needle-shaped objects and lodged them into their lower airway.

In all three cases, boys said they found instructions on how to make the darts online, according to study author Kris Jatana, an otolaryngologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH, via USA Today.

"I find it concerning that this is becoming an emerging hazard," said Dr. Kris Jatana, an expert in removing foreign bodies from airways, via NBC news. "Typically we see these aspiration events in children younger than 4."

According to the report, these homemade devices did not have any type of barrier to prevent the dart from going back into the mouth.

Jatana and colleagues found that more than 20 websites describe how to make the shooting equipment. However, most do not include any safety tips or warnings regarding the device.

Such life-threatening complications as airway obstruction and bleeding can result.

"These three teenagers were very fortunate to have good outcomes," said Jatana, who was able to remove the darts with bronchoscopes. "But it is potentially a very serious problem."

More information regarding the study can be found in the August issue of Pediatrics.