This post is sponsored by The Poison Control Center at The University of Kansas Health System
Halloween is a time for fun. Many things are meant to be scary, but don’t let poison be one of them!
Each year, poison centers manage thousands of exposure cases involving Halloween-related substances such as glow sticks, special cosmetics, candy and dry ice. But with a few precautions, you can ensure your kiddos are safe while having a frightfully good time.
Glow Sticks
- Remind children not to chew on or break open glow sticks or any other glow-in-the-dark products. While the liquid in the majority of these products is considered minimally toxic in small amounts, it can cause skin irritation. Eyes are especially sensitive to glow stick liquid.
- Never put these products in the microwave.
Cosmetics
- Test face makeup in a small area of skin first (preferably on the arm) to check for allergic reaction before applying it to the face. Avoid decorating the face or body with products that aren’t intended for the skin. If you suspect you are having an adverse reaction to a cosmetic, call Poison Help at 1 (800) 222-1222.
- Avoid the eye area when applying costume makeup to the face, and remove makeup before bedtime to prevent eye and/or skin irritation.
- Throw out any makeup that has a very bad smell; this could be a sign of contamination.
Dry Ice
- Handle dry ice properly and carefully. Oral/skin exposure or ingestion of dry ice can be very dangerous.
- Do not store dry ice in the freezer or an unventilated area.
Candy and Treats
- When trick-or-treating, instruct children not to open their candy until they return home. Inspect all candy for any signs of tampering (tears, pinholes, discoloration, etc.) before eating or allowing children to eat it. If you should find an object in the candy or find anything unusual about it, throw it away.
- Accept only wrapped and packaged candy. Do not eat or allow children to eat candy that has been unwrapped or opened. Throw away any candy or food that is not wrapped tightly by the candy company.
- Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats to trick-or-treaters, and do not allow children to eat homemade treats from strangers.
- Some children follow certain dietary restrictions which prohibit them from eating the traditional treats offered on Halloween. If you suspect someone is experiencing an allergic reaction to a Halloween treat, call Poison Help immediately at 1 (800) 222-1222. If the person is having trouble breathing, call 911.
- Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children, and be aware of any choking hazards young children in your care may collect.
Be prepared by programming the Poison Help number into your phone TODAY, 1-800-222-1222.
