Are There Any Health Risks to Playing with Gel Ball Blasters?

Gel ball blasters, also known as gel blasters or gelsoft guns, are toy guns that shoot water-filled gel beads or pellets. Resembling real firearms, these air-powered guns have surged in popularity in recent years as a safer alternative to airsoft and paintball. However, an alarming increase in gel blaster-related injuries and irresponsible use has raised concerns.

With pressurized air propelling gel projectiles at high speeds, often with enough force to break the skin, gel blasters carry many of the same risks as airguns and other shooting sports. While gel balls are safer than metal BBs or paintballs, they can still cause severe eye injuries, skin welts, bleeding, broken bones, and other serious harm. Psychological effects like increased aggression and desensitization are also possible with repeated use.

As gel blasters straddle the line between toy and firearm, regulations vary drastically worldwide. Most countries classify them as air weapons or firearms, requiring licenses and permits. Some ban them entirely. Understanding the health risks and how to mitigate them through proper precautions is essential, especially for parents considering purchasing one for their child.

This article examines the various health risks of gel blasters and provides safety tips for more responsible use. With adequate protections and supervision in place, gel ball blasting can be an enjoyable recreational activity. But it demands the same precautions as potentially dangerous sports like airsoft or paintball.

Health Risks of Gel Ball Blasters

Eye Injuries

The most serious risks of gel blasters are debilitating eye injuries, which have been frequently reported with misuse. High muzzle velocities of 100-200 fps enable gel balls to inflict corneal abrasions, hyphemas, retinal damage, ruptured eye globes, and permanent blindness. Compared to 6mm plastic airsoft BBs, the 8-10mm diameter of gel balls increases the force transmitted to the eye.

Doctors have underscored the importance of protective eyewear, recommending full-seal wraparound goggles with polycarbonate lenses rated for impacts over 150 fps. Regular eyeglasses do not provide adequate protection. Safety glasses leave the eyes vulnerable from an angled shot. Mesh goggles are also ineffective as gel balls can pass through the holes. Parents must ensure children wear compliant eye protection with any gel blaster use.

Head and Skin Injuries

Depending on muzzle velocity, gel blasters can break the skin, especially at close range. Frontal head shots above the neck should always be prohibited given the risk of eye injuries. Strong impacts on unprotected skin can cause bleeding, heavy bruising, and welts. Ear protections such as over-ear muffs should be worn to prevent damage to ear drums and hearing from repeated blasts.

While gel balls do not typically embed under the skin like airsoft pellets, infection is possible if wounds are not properly treated. Reused gel balls may also transfer bacteria. Proper wound care with disinfectants is advised following play. Protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and gloves helps mitigate risks.

Internal Injuries

Getting struck in vulnerable areas without protection carries the potential for internal injuries. Gel ball shooters have reported cracked ribs, collapsed lungs, and kidney bruises from close-range torso impacts. Groin shots can be especially dangerous and must be avoided. Parents should ensure their children wear athletics cups or protective padding under clothing to cover vital areas during gel blaster play.

Psychological Effects

Repeated use of any toy gun risks desensitizing children to the dangers of real firearms. The realistic appearance of many gel blasters makes this association even stronger. Without proper guidance, children may develop aggressive tendencies or lose empathy for others. Lack of supervision can enable more high-risk play.

Parents are advised to teach the responsibilities of gun safety and non-violent conflict resolution with any introduction of toy shooters. Principles of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play should be encouraged through participation in structured gel blaster games and leagues.

Gel Blaster Regulations and Laws

Given their potential to inflict harm, gel blasters are classified as air weapons or firearms in most countries and heavily regulated:

• United States – Varies by state, with bans in California, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Other states require permits and enforce age limits of 14+ or 18+.
• Canada – Considered replica firearms requiring licenses. Banned in certain cities like Toronto. Age limit of 18+ years.
• United Kingdom – Classified as low-power air weapons with age limits of 18+ in England/Wales and 14+ in Scotland. Banned in Northern Ireland.
• Australia – Illegal in all states without a valid firearms license. Heavy fines for possession without permit. Most restrictive laws worldwide.
• New Zealand – Require permits and registration. Age limit of 18+ years.
• Germany – Considered firearms with 18+ age limit and permits needed.
• France – Require firearm license. Banned for under 18s.
• Spain – Considered weapons but not firearms. Permits needed, 18+ age limit.

Parents should understand all local laws regarding gel blaster ownership and use. Breaking gel blaster regulations carries severe penalties comparable to unlicensed firearms. Restrictions aim to protect the public and prevent irresponsible use given the harm gel blasters can inflict.

Safety Tips for Gel Blaster Use

While gel blasters carry risks, they can be used more safely and responsibly with proper precautions:

• Required eye protection – Only play with properly rated full seal goggles. Faceshots prohibited.
• Establish FPS limits – Limit power to reduce risk of injury. 100-150 fps max for children.
• Protective gear – Wear face masks, padding, gloves, long sleeves and pants.
• Set age limits – 14+ minimum recommended. Supervise younger users closely.
• Enforce safety rules – Ban headshots, enforce FPS, teach principles of fair play.
• Proper wound care – Disinfect any resulting welts or cuts immediately after play.
• Limit play time – Take breaks to prevent fatigue and lapses in judgment leading to accidents.
• Proper storage/transport – Treat like a real firearm to avoid public alarm. Use cases and bags.
• Licensed venues only – Play only at insured gel blaster fields with trained marshals monitoring for safety.
• Adult supervision – Parents should directly control or supervise all gel blaster use by minors.

Taking proper safety precautions minimizes the risks of gel blaster related injuries. Responsible use guidelines should be strictly enforced, especially with children. With vigilance and training, gel blasting can provide hours of safe, active play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gel blasters safe for kids?

Gel blasters carry risks of injury and should not be considered toys suitable for children. With protective gear, low-powered blasters, and close adult supervision, they may be safely used by teens 14+ years. But great care is required.

What safety gear is recommended?

Wrap-around polycarbonate goggles, face mask, gloves, long sleeves and pants, and athletic cup/padding for torso protection. Anything exposed should be covered. Proper eye protection is by far the most critical.

Can gel blasters cause permanent eye damage?

Yes, gel blasters can cause corneal abrasions, detached retinas, ruptured globes, hyphemas, and blindness if eye protection is inadequate. Impacts above 150 fps require goggles rated to withstand such ballistic force.

How do gel blasters compare to airsoft guns?

Gel blasters generally shoot larger projectiles at lower speeds than airsoft guns. This makes them less likely to break skin but more dangerous to eyes. Airsoft BBs can embed under skin. Both carry risk of injury without proper gear.

Why are gel blasters illegal in some places?

Most jurisdictions classify gel blasters as firearms given their potential to cause harm. Bans aim to protect the public from misuse. Where permitted, gel blasters face the same regulations as airguns and paintball markers.

Can gel blaster injuries be fatal?

While no direct fatalities have been reported, injuries like ruptured organs or arteries could prove fatal if prompt medical care is not received. Point blank head and chest shots are extremely dangerous and should be strictly prohibited.

How can gel blasters be used more responsibly?

Mandating protective gear, enforcing safety rules and age limits, teaching principles of fair play, limiting play time, and requiring adult supervision can all promote more responsible use among recreational gel blaster players.

What precautions should adults take when supervising use?

Adults must ensure players wear adequate eye protection and other gear. They should directly control FPS limits, prohibit headshots, and enforce safety rules. Teaching proper gun handling and calling hits is also key.

What are some psychological risks of gel blasters?

Repeated use without guidance may cause children to become desensitized to the dangers of real firearms. Lack of empathy, increased aggression, and high-risk behavior are also possible without proper supervision.

Conclusion

While gel blasters provide an exciting form of active play and lower risks compared to airsoft or paintball, they are not toys and carry many of the same hazards as firearms sports. With pressurized air firing gel projectiles at high speeds, the potential for eye injuries and other harm is considerable. Strict safety precautions, protective gear requirements, age limits, and usage guidelines are essential.

Proper adult supervision, training in safe handling, and reinforcement of fair play principles can allow gel blasting to be enjoyed responsibly. But ultimately, gel blasters demand the same precautions and respect given any potentially dangerous shooting sport. With vigilance and care taken by all involved, the risks can be managed for an enjoyable experience. But it is vital to understand and mitigate these risks rather than see gel blasters as harmless toys. Responsible usage practices must be enforced to keep this recreational activity as safe as reasonably possible.