Do Inflatable Bounce Houses Pose Heat-Related Hazards to Children?

Abstract

nflatable bounce houses provide a popular summer activity for children. Injuries such as sprains and fractures are widely acknowledged but there is less awareness about possible hazards from excessive heat exposure. This study aims to identify whether conditions in the bounce house are more oppressive than ambient conditions on a typical summer day in Athens, GA. Results show that maximum air temperatures in the bounce house can reach up to 3.7°C (6.7°F) greater than ambient conditions and peak heat index values may exceed outdoor conditions by 4.5°C (8.1°F). When considered in the context of the National Weather Service heat index safety categories, the bounce house reached the ?danger? level in over half of the observations compared with only 7% of observations for ambient conditions. Parents and caregivers should be aware of heat related hazards in bounce houses and closely monitor children, adjusting or canceling activities as conditions become more oppressive.