The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement yesterday that outlined a new set of guidelines for welding safety in the pediatric population. The AAP subcommittee for prevention of welding related injury and death issued the statement in response to what they call a "Growing trend towards children and teens engaging in welding and welding related activities at younger and younger ages."

According to pediatrician Dr. Arlene Miller, spokesperson for the committee, "In 1970, the average age of first welding experience was 21. Today it is 17. This includes welding of everything from steel and aluminum to iron and often occurs as early as age 14. In the past decade alone we have seen a 50% increase in welding related injuries such as burns, hearing loss, vision loss and metal fume fever. These injuries are all the more tragic in that they are entirely preventable."

The AAP statement offers 25 recommendations for parents on how to prevent welding related injury, or WRI, in their children including keeping welding equipment securely locked, placing a minimum eight foot fence with appropriate warning signs around any areas where welding is occurring and wearing suitable safety gear if the child or teen does decide to engage in welding. The statement also stresses the importance of early education and the endorses the strengthening of school programs that teach safe welding practices. Dr. Miller also went on to report that, "Studies show that children and teens in communities where safe welding techniques are taught in school are less likely to suffer WRI than similarly matched children and teens who are taught only to refrain from welding."

Charles Davis is the principle of Xavier middle school in Charlotte, NC where one such so-called "welding abstinence" program has been taught for 30 years. "Welding is an activity that should only be performed by licensed professionals, or by trainees in an accredited program under close supervision," Davis spoke with reporters. "By teaching our kids how to weld 'safely' we send the message that it's ok for anyone to do welding. It's the wrong message."

This, in sharp contrast to the AAP's Dr. Miller. "It's time we acknowledge the high prevalence of welding among children and teens in our society and of subsequent WRI. Prevention of WRI begins in the home. Parents, please, talk to your kids about welding. Be involved in their lives. Ask them where they go and what they do after school. And, if your kids are going to weld, make sure they get proper training and use proper safety gear. There is nothing more tragic than when I see a welding related injury in child who says 'I only wish somebody had showed me how.'"