Trends in firearm production and firearm deaths in U.S. youth

• Published in: Preventive medicine 2023-10, Vol.175, p.107684-107684, Article 107684
• Main Authors: Tomas, C.W., Fumo, N., Kostelac, C.A., Flynn-O'Brien, K., Levas, M., Moore, R., de Roon-Cassini, T.A., Hargarten, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Firearm safety; Firearm violence; Longitudinal analysis; Violence prevention; Youth
• ISSN: 0091-7435; 1096-0260
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107684

Firearms are now the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens ages 0–19. The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported data in 2022 on firearm production, for specific firearm types and calibers. We hypothesized there would be a correlation between firearm production and firearm deaths and nonfatal injuries in youth. All firearm deaths and nonfatal injury rates for youth ages 0–19 were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2001 to 2020. Firearm production from 2001 to 2020 was extracted from the 2022 ATF Firearms in Commerce Report for overall firearm production, production by weapon type and pistol caliber. Relationships between firearm death and injury and firearm production were evaluated using correlational analyses. Firearm death and nonfatal injury rates for youth increased from 2001 to 2020 by 48.2% and 69.2%, respectively, and firearm production increased 265% overall and 1298% for 9 mm pistols. There was no correlation between total firearm manufacturing and total firearm deaths or nonfatal injury rates from 2001 to 2020 (all r  0.55). While total firearm manufacturing was not related to firearm deaths and injuries, except suicides, there were strong relationships between 9 mm pistol production and firearm deaths and injuries in youth. Firearm injuries are preventable; we must invest in stronger information systems that track details of firearms linked with deaths and injuries. •From 2001 to 2020 U.S. firearm production increased 1298% for 9 mm pistols.•From 2001 to 2020 firearm deaths and injuries in U.S. youth increased 48% and 69%.•9 mm pistol production is correlated with firearm deaths and injuries in U.S. youth.•Greater access to firearms may increase risk of death and injury in U.S. youth.•Stronger surveillance systems of firearm production and sales are needed.