Sometimes science shines in grand theories — like the universe being a hologram or gravitational waves from neutron stars — but it’s often the small innovations that quietly make a big difference. One such example? The tiny hole in the cap of a BIC pen.

While many assume it’s just to regulate air pressure or prevent ink from drying, the hole serves a life-saving purpose: reducing the risk of choking. Many people chew on pen caps, and if swallowed, they can block airways. The hole allows for some airflow, potentially preventing suffocation.

BIC confirms this on their website, stating the caps meet international safety standards designed to minimize accidental inhalation risks, especially in children. The vented cap, like that on the BIC Cristal, was specifically made with this in mind.

Approximately 100 people in the U.S. die each year from choking on pen caps, a figure that has decreased thanks to this design. Other pen makers have also adopted similar vented caps.

This small but powerful design tweak is a reminder of how thoughtful engineering — even in something as simple as a pen — can save lives. Just like breather holes in airplane windows or their rounded edges, everyday items often hold hidden brilliance.