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Raising a Family
The Dangers of PaintballFollow the rules to play it safe
Not surprisingly, paintballs can cause serious injury if you aren’t wearing proper protection, says emergency specialist Charles Worrilow, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. And although paintball is the fourth largest “alternative” sport in the country, many players don’t follow the safety rules. “Lack of protection, misuse and unsupervised play result in major injuries every year,” Worrilow says. “You can still have fun and enjoy the sport if you take the proper precautions.” Play it SafeWear goggles and a face shield. “Whether you’re at a paintball field or just shooting in the backyard, always wear face- and eye-protecting gear,” says ophthalmologist Maz Kazahaya, M.D. “Many paintball injuries are eye-related.” If your goggles fog up or need adjusting, go outside the playing area or ask a referee for help. Throw on the pads and protective suit. Paintball has hockey-style neck, elbow, chest, hip, leg and knee pads—and you need that thick jacket and pants, too. “Don’t try and tough it out,” Worrilow says. “Getting hit can leave painful welts and bruises.” Boots are best. Shoes or sneakers aren’t thick enough to protect your feet from injury. All these protective items can be rented if you prefer. Want to Know More about paintball safety rules? Call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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What’s lighter than a tennis ball, smaller than a golf ball and travels faster than Roger Clemens’ fastball? A paintball. This small gelatin capsule filled with nontoxic, water-soluble paint can be fired at a blistering 205 miles per hour. 
