Aluminum "pop tops". A hazard to child health
J. D. Burrington
In a 3 1/2- year period, seven children have been treated for complications
of ingestion or aspiration of pull tabs from aluminum beverage cans. One
child died from a fistula between the esophagus and a branch of the aortic
arch, and two children suffered esophageal perforation with local abscess
formation. Since aluminum absorbs x-rays poorly, the pull tabs cannot be
seen in frontal projection if they overlie vertebral bodies. Any toddler
with unexplained alteration of feeding habits or persistent respiratory
symptoms requires evaluation for an aspirated or ingested foreign body.
