La verdad sobre los envases "seguros para niños

Cuando se trata de proteger a los niños de sustancias potencialmente nocivas, la industria de los envases farmacéuticos tiene una gran responsabilidad. Es probable que haya oído hablar de los envases "seguros para los niños", pero la verdad es que son engañosos. Ningún envase puede ser 100% seguro para los niños. El término correcto es "envase a prueba de niños", diseñado para que a los niños les resulte difícil, pero no imposible, abrirlo. En esta entrada del blog analizaremos los aspectos esenciales de los envases a prueba de niños y explicaremos por qué son diferentes de los "seguros para niños". Además, hablaremos de su papel fundamental en la seguridad del consumidor y el cumplimiento de la normativa.

A prueba de niños y a prueba de niños: Una diferencia crucial

The phrase child safe packaging implies a level of protection that does not exist. Children are curious and resourceful, and even the most secure packaging might eventually be breached by a persistent child. Child-resistant packaging offers a more realistic perspective. It is designed to significantly decrease the chances of a child accessing harmful substances, buying crucial time for adult intervention. So essentially, when people refer to child-safe they often actually mean it is child-resistant. This is an important distinction to make and to keep in mind.

Comprender los requisitos de los envases a prueba de niños

Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have established strict guidelines to ensure packaging meets safety standards. Let's break down some of the key requirements:

·Accessibility for adults, resistance for children: The packaging must strike a balance: easy enough for adults, including seniors, to open, but difficult for children under five.

·Multiple layers of protection: Packaging that is resistant to children often involves several steps to open, like pressing and turning at the same time. These actions are challenging for young children to coordinate.

·Strong materials: The packaging must be made of sturdy materials that can withstand a child's attempts to open it. Think of durable plastics or reinforced cardboard that will not easily tear or break.

·Clear instructions: Simple and straightforward labeling is very important. Adults should be able to quickly understand how to open the packaging, while keeping it secure from children.

Read more about the requirements.

Por qué es importante distinguir entre envases seguros para niños y envases a prueba de niños

Comprender la diferencia entre envases seguros para niños y envases a prueba de niños es vital tanto para los fabricantes como para los consumidores:

·Preventing accidents: The belief that there is actual child safe packaging can lead to complacency. Consumers might not take the same precautions, increasing the risk of accidents.

·Meeting regulations: For manufacturers, using the correct terminology and adhering to child-resistant packaging standards is crucial for legal compliance. Mislabeling a product as ’child-safe’ could have serious consequences.

·Encouraging extra precautions: Recognizing that packaging can only be resistant, not foolproof, encourages everyone to take additional safety measures. This includes storing medications and chemicals out of reach and educating children about potential dangers.

Normas y pruebas del sector

To be considered child-resistant, every type of packaging undergoes rigorous testing according to international standards like ISO 8317, EN 14375, and ASTM D3475. Read more about packaging certifications. These tests involve:

·Testing with children: A group of children, typically aged 42 to 51 months, are given the packaging and a set amount of time to try and open it. The goal is to make sure a high percentage of them cannot access the contents.

·Testing with adults: Adults, including seniors, are also tested to ensure they can open the packaging without difficulty. This two-pronged approach guarantees that the packaging is both safe for children and practical for adults.

El futuro de los envases a prueba de niños frente a los envases seguros para niños

La tecnología evoluciona constantemente, dando lugar a innovaciones en los envases a prueba de niños. Algunos avances interesantes son:

·Smart caps: These caps use sensors to detect unauthorized opening attempts and can even send alerts to a smartphone.

·High-tech blister packs: Blister packs with advanced seals are nearly impossible for children to open without tools. Yet they are easy for adults to access, even those with physical limitations.

While ’child safe’ packaging might sound ideal, the reality is that child-resistance is currently the most effective any type of packaging can be. Especially to prevent accidents and keep children safe. It is important for everyone, manufacturers and consumers,to understand this distinction and take the necessary precautions.

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