The important reason for the tiny hole in biro pen lids

A video explaining why certain biro and ballpoint pens have a small hole at the top of the lid has caught the attention of thousands online.

Zach D, who has more than two million YouTube subscribers, shared an interesting video regarding pen lids.

In the short clip, he said most people believe it has something to do with the ink, but the true reason is ‘much more important than that’.

Thousands are just realising why pen lids are designed with a small hole at the top. Zach D posted a now-viral Instagram video explaining how most people believe it has something to do with the ink, but the true reason is ‘much more important than that’

‘Pen companies are actually required to add these little holes,’ Zach said. 

‘You see, there’s just enough space for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone’s throat.’

The video continued to show a skeletal x-ray and how the lid design could allow air to pass through the throat if swallowed.

‘Pen companies are actually required to add these little holes,’ Zach said, adding: ‘You see, there’s just enough space for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone’s throat.’

The video has since been viewed a staggering 3.1million times, and many couldn’t believe it. 

‘I remember chewing this pen cap during my childhood,’ one person commented. 

‘Wow hopefully that never happens to anyone,’ another added.

But some Instagram user claimed to have known this for ‘years’. 

‘I thought this was common knowledge,’ one person wrote. 

Another said: ‘Everyone knows this by now.’ 

Global pen company Bic also confirmed the reason for the design choice in the FAQ section of the website.

‘The reason that some BIC® pens have a hole in their cap is to prevent the cap from completely obstructing the airway if accidentally inhaled,’ the website outlines.

‘This is requested by the international safety standards ISO11540, except for in cases where the cap is considered too large to be a choking hazard.’