✏️ Why is there a small hole in the cap of a ballpoint pen? The answer might surprise you
🧐 At first glance, it seems like a small detail: a tiny hole in the pen cap. Many people don’t even notice it or think it’s just part of the design.
But this seemingly minor feature is actually life-saving. 😮
👉 Full article in the first comment 👇
Pen manufacturers add this hole not for aesthetics but for safety reasons.
Children, and sometimes adults, have the habit of biting or holding pen caps in their mouths.
If such a cap accidentally gets lodged in the airway, the hole allows some airflow — which can save a life until medical help arrives.
This is especially important for school-age children who often play with stationery.
That’s why international safety standards, such as ISO 11540, require pen caps to have a ventilation hole.
It ensures minimal air circulation even if the cap is accidentally swallowed or inhaled.
Of course, a cap with a hole might seem less “airtight,” but it still protects the ink cartridge from drying out.
Most importantly, it reduces the risk of choking — which can be critical in emergencies.
So next time you see that tiny hole in a pen cap, know that it’s not a manufacturing defect but a carefully designed safety feature that can save lives.
