Corks Can Be Hazardous

MIDDLETOWN — When we celebrate, champagne is often the beverage of choice. But amidst the celebrating, many people forget one dangerous hazard – the cork.

Prevent Blindness Connecticut warns the pressure build-up in champagne bottles makes the cork a very real threat to the eyes. Pressure can rise to levels that would cause a small explosion if the bottle were broken after it had been shaken.

The nation’s largest voluntary eye health and safety organization notes that the US consumer Product Safety Commission does not specifically list champagne cork injuries. The closest they come is the somewhat vague categories of injuries from “glass alcohol beverage bottles.” However, physicians who have treated champagne cork injuries say that a more specific warning is in order.

“Champagne corks become high-speed projectiles that can cause serious eye damage,” said Judith Bellemare. “Many accidents happen when the person opening the bottle looks right at the cork. In general, people must use caution when releasing the wire or metal that’s holding the cork. Also, they should cover the bottle top with a towel and point it away from others before removing the cork.”

Judith Bellemare cited two notable cases. One involved a hostess who re-corked a champagne bottle only to have the cork pop out moments later and hit her in the eye as she carried the bottle. In the other case, an experienced limousine driver injured his eye when he opened a champagne bottle in the car, waiting to welcome the wedding party–a routine he has successfully completed dozens of times.

Judith Bellemare said the most common forms of damage are bleeding inside the eye and swelling of the retina with possible retinal detachment, all of which could lead to blindness. “Even rupture of the entire eyeball is quite possible,” she added.