Your Jack-o’-Lantern may be more than scary — it could be dangerous.
Pumpkin carving is the leading cause of injuries associated with Halloween, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Between October and November 2018 in the United States, 44% of Halloween-linked injuries were connected with pumpkin-carving activities.
More than one-quarter of Halloween-related injuries included cuts, ingestions and costume, pumpkin or decoration-related injuries, and there were nearly 2,700 injuries involving trips and falls.
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“There is a reason Halloween is called ‘fright night’ — it is, after all, the spookiest night of the year. But there is another interpretation of that term that concerns orthopedic surgeons in the emergency department: a spike in trauma injuries,” Dr. Craig Phillips, an orthopedic hand surgeon and an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson says.
“It is important for parents to establish clear boundaries with their kids and teach them safety tips to ensure they have a positive experience, rather than having to visit the hospital,” Phillips adds.
Read below for safe pumpkin carving tips.
RELATED: The Most Important Halloween Safety Tips
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How to safely carve a pumpkin
When carving your pumpkin, use a carving kit or knives specifically designed for the task, the AAOS advises. Carve pumpkins in a clean, dry
