Our wires and peripheral cables have become so commonplace that it's easy to forget that they're as dangerous to children as wall outlets are. Sadly, they're rarely "baby proofed."
A Colorado toddler was playing with a USB cable plugged into a laptop and suffered third-degree burns on her tongue, palate and lips.
The family believes the toddler put the cable in her mouth while her mother, who was working on the plugged in laptop at the time, wasn't looking. The girl was found face down and limp and was rushed to the hospital. From Colorado Daily:
[Her grandfather] said the family decided to go public with the story, even though talking about it is painful, because they had no idea a USB cable -- which typically carries just 5 volts -- could be so dangerous, and they want other families to know.
We can all learn from this tragedy and take necessary steps to baby-proof all of our electronics. Make sure children are kept away from all live wires and outlets. When you're through with a cord (like the phone charger), unplug it, even if it's "out of reach." You can never be too safe.
(Image: Flickr user found_drama under license from Creative Commons.)
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Comments (5)
Thank you for this frightening yet educational post! With practically everything needed for a daily routine being plugged in, it is easy to forget how dangerous those cords really are. A great reminder for parents (and grandparents)!
"As dangerous to children as wall outlets are"??? I've got to call you on that one. That's just grossly inaccurate.
In terms of potential danger to a child (or adult for that matter) 120V AC is a FAR greater threat than a 5V DC USB cable that's current limited to 500mA. It's like comparing a BB gun to a cannon.
i am confused why the laptop just had a random USB cable plugged in without a peripheral on the other end? Al my cables have something on the other end. Ipod dock, printer, HD, etc. I don't think i have many cables just plugged in going nowhere.
@tonysimpleman, it isn't the voltage, it's the current that will kill you. Voltage is just easier to measure since current is dependent on voltage and the resistance between the two measured voltage points.
And really, it doesn't matter how much current you get hit with if it stops your heart. You're just as dead if 500mA does it as you would be if it were 500A.
Actually, it only takes about 50mA to set the heart off-beat. That´s why you should always go to a hospital to get an EKG if you get electrocuted. It´s a very unstable science, however, as a heartattack based on electrocution can occur years after the incident.
Volt only helps the current (A) travel through your body, thats why it is concidered more dangerous because og the higher voltage. Keep in mind though, that a car battery for instance carries more current because of the low voltage. So if you shortcircuit a car battery and touch anywhere you can get seriously amounts of current in you.
Just a little heads up.