The issue of guns is among the most contentious in America. As violence soars in a nation where many people insist they are searching for nonviolent manners to resolve problems nevertheless the majority of Americans appear to also insist citizens should have the legal right to own guns. From a public health perspective the issue of blind support for the right to bear arms becomes clouded with a risk/benefit analysis of this issue.
David Hemenway, PhD has reported for Medscape Today "Risks and Benefits of a Gun in the Home." The American people have more private guns per capita, and particularly more handguns, than citizens of other developed countries. At this time more than one third of households in the United States contain a working firearm. Slightly fewer than half of American men and 10% of women own firearms.
In spite of the popularity of firearms in the United States scientific studies suggest that the health risk of a gun in the home is greater than the benefit. No credible studies indicate otherwise. The has been overwhelming evidence that a gun in the home is a risk factor for completed suicide and that gun accidents are most likely to occur in homes with guns. And there is compelling evidence that a gun in the home is a risk factor for intimidation and for killing women in their homes. Furthermore, it appears that a gun in the home may more likely be used to threaten intimates instead of to protect against intruders.
There has been no good evidence of a deterrent effect of firearms or that a gun in the home reduces the likelihood or severity of injury during an altercation or a break-in. Therefore, for the large majority of households, having a gun in the home will not provide either health benefits or costs this year. And, for those households where having a gun or not will matter this year, the evidence indicates that the costs will widely outweigh the benefits.
A consideration of a benefit–cost ratio is especially adverse for women and children in the household. In view of these considerations the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken the position that guns do not belong in households with children. The AAP has taken a positive position on this contentious issue which favors saving lives.
