Fact Check: "A peer-reviewed article published in 2017 in the medical journal BMJ Open found that rubber and plastic bullets caused significant injury and mortality, concluding they are not appropriate for use in crowd-control settings."
What We Know
A systematic review conducted by Rohini J. Haar and colleagues, published in the medical journal BMJ Open in 2017, examined the impact of kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), which include rubber and plastic bullets, on human health. The review analyzed data from 26 studies involving 1984 individuals, revealing that 53 people died as a result of injuries from these projectiles, and 300 suffered permanent disabilities. The authors noted that a significant proportion of deaths and disabilities resulted from strikes to the head and neck, emphasizing that KIPs are commonly used in crowd-control situations and have led to considerable morbidity and mortality over the years. The study concluded that due to their potential for severe injury and misuse, KIPs are not appropriate for crowd-control settings (Haar et al., 2017).
Analysis
The claim that a peer-reviewed article published in 2017 in BMJ Open found that rubber and plastic bullets cause significant injury and mortality, and that they are not suitable for crowd-control use, is supported by the findings of the systematic review. The review's methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, which adds credibility to its conclusions. The authors are affiliated with reputable institutions, including the University of California and Physicians for Human Rights, which enhances the reliability of the study (Haar et al., 2017).
Furthermore, a recent article from NPR highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the use of rubber bullets in crowd control, reiterating that while these munitions are labeled "less lethal," they can still cause serious harm. This aligns with the findings of the 2017 study, reinforcing the argument against their use in crowd-control situations (NPR, 2025).
The systematic review's findings are corroborated by other sources, such as a report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which discusses the devastating injuries caused by rubber bullets and beanbag rounds during protests (NCBI, 2023). This consistency across multiple reputable sources strengthens the validity of the original claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim is accurate as it is substantiated by a peer-reviewed article published in 2017 in BMJ Open, which found that rubber and plastic bullets have caused significant injuries and fatalities, concluding that they are not appropriate for use in crowd-control settings. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this conclusion, highlighting the serious risks associated with these types of munitions.
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