Halloween Safety

Halloween is an exciting time kids and families! In addition to the fun, be sure to prioritize safety.

Treats

• An adult should check all treats before they are eaten. Explain why this is important to children.
• Only eat treats from their original, unopened wrappers. Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, have holes or tears, or if the candy has been unwrapped.
• Check fruit and homemade treats for punctures or contamination. Allow your child to eat such items only if from someone you know and trust.
• Be mindful of any food allergies your child may have.
• Some treats, especially chocolate, can be poisonous to pets.
• Consider giving non-edible treats such as stickers or pencils.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks and necklaces are a great option to help light up the night and keep our child pedestrians safe. However, if a child breaks or bites open a glow stick, it can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. If the contents get into the eyes, it can cause severe irritation and cause the eyes to water. If swallowed, the contents can cause burning and nausea. The good news? The fluid inside a glow stick is generally non-toxic and most cases do not require medical assistance. If an exposure occurs, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

Face Paint and Makeup

While colorful face paint and makeup can help complete the costume, some products may contain heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which can be toxic. To help prevent this type of exposure, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only using products that are made in the United States. To avoid skin reactions or allergies, consider testing the product on a small area of skin prior to applying a large amount. If a reaction occurs or any of the product is ingested, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

Dry Ice

Dry Ice can create a fun fog-like effect and is often used during the Halloween season. If you choose to use Dry Ice, handle it with extra caution to prevent burns to the skin and keep the area well-ventilated. If swallowed, burns to the mouth and throat can occur. If an exposure occurs, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.