The surprising but IMPORTANT reason why pen lids have a tiny hole – ‘I had no idea!’
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Previously, we learned what the tiny holes in plane windows are and how important they are when it comes to keeping passengers comfortable and safe. Well, it turns out that the same detail on pen lids holds a little-known but important role too! And no, it's not because of anything related to the ink – it's designed to potentially save someone’s life.
In an Instagram video, Zach D, who has over two million YouTube subscribers, detailed why certain biro and ballpoint pens have a small hole at the top.
In the clip, he said that most people believe it has something to do with the ink, but the true reason is 'much more important than that'.
'Pen companies are required to add these little holes.' Zach explained.
'You see, there's just enough space for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone's throat.'
The video then flashed an image of an x-ray showing how the lid design could allow air to pass through the throat if swallowed.
The little-known reason why pen lids have a hole on top. Source: @zackdfilms
Zach’s Instagram video was viewed more than 3.1 million times, with thousands of users in the comments blown away by the obscure reason.
'I remember chewing this pen cap when I was a kid.’ one person recalled.
'Wow, hopefully, that never happens to anyone...’ another added.
However, a few claimed to have known this for 'years'.
'I thought this was common knowledge?' one person questioned.
Another chimed: 'Everyone knows this.’
Source: @zachdfilms
Global pen company BIC confirmed the reason for the design choice in the FAQ section of its website.
'The reason that some BIC pens have a hole in their cap is to prevent the cap from completely obstructing the airway if accidentally inhaled.' the website reads.
'This is requested by the international safety standards ISO11540, except for in cases where the cap is considered too large to be a choking hazard.'
We’re not exactly sure if that was a fascinating or horrifying fact to know…. But one thing’s for sure – we’re never going to chew on pen caps again!
What are your thoughts about this detail on top of pen lids? Did you know about its true purpose before reading this story? Let us know in the comments!
In an Instagram video, Zach D, who has over two million YouTube subscribers, detailed why certain biro and ballpoint pens have a small hole at the top.
In the clip, he said that most people believe it has something to do with the ink, but the true reason is 'much more important than that'.
'Pen companies are required to add these little holes.' Zach explained.
'You see, there's just enough space for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone's throat.'
The video then flashed an image of an x-ray showing how the lid design could allow air to pass through the throat if swallowed.
The little-known reason why pen lids have a hole on top. Source: @zackdfilms
Zach’s Instagram video was viewed more than 3.1 million times, with thousands of users in the comments blown away by the obscure reason.
'I remember chewing this pen cap when I was a kid.’ one person recalled.
'Wow, hopefully, that never happens to anyone...’ another added.
However, a few claimed to have known this for 'years'.
'I thought this was common knowledge?' one person questioned.
Another chimed: 'Everyone knows this.’
Source: @zachdfilms
Global pen company BIC confirmed the reason for the design choice in the FAQ section of its website.
'The reason that some BIC pens have a hole in their cap is to prevent the cap from completely obstructing the airway if accidentally inhaled.' the website reads.
'This is requested by the international safety standards ISO11540, except for in cases where the cap is considered too large to be a choking hazard.'
We’re not exactly sure if that was a fascinating or horrifying fact to know…. But one thing’s for sure – we’re never going to chew on pen caps again!
What are your thoughts about this detail on top of pen lids? Did you know about its true purpose before reading this story? Let us know in the comments!
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I must have laughed at something and next thing I knew I couldn’t breath. I managed to stumble to the hallway near my 19 year old brother’s bedroom door and indicated to him I couldn’t breath. He tried thumping my back but then put his fingers down my throat and “tickled” it free so I could cough it
). My sister had called an ambulance before my brother had dislodged it and then called them back to say I was ok. They still came and then took me to hospital to make sure there was no damage to my throat but I didn’t even get an exciting ambulance ride as I needed to sit up, so sat in the front. I only had a scratch and had to gargle with salt water for a week. Ever since I have always thrown out the lid whenever I get a new pen and am still very careful with the grandkids (as I was with my kids) about them not chewing things. For years whenever I thought about this event it made me feel sick and scared but I’m ok about it now. Very grateful to my big brother to this day .. who happened to be studying dentistry at the time and had a good knowledge of anatomy.
