Airbags are designed to assist adults. As the airbag deflates after a collision, there is a 170 dB bang in a split second, sending a wave of pressure into the air. Children sitting in the front seat are 14 times more likely to suffer from tinnitus, a condition which includes ringing in the ear, sometimes permanently. The study concluded that there's a risk to youngters up to the age of 13.
Other dangers include hot particles from the airbag. Some latest models of vehicles have airbags that one can turn on or off, but most vehicles do not have this feature. As a result, the study concluded that children should sit in the back seat.