Illinois Poison Center Shares Halloween Safety Tips for Families

With Halloween just around the corner, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding families to take a few simple precautions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Each year, the IPC receives hundreds of calls involving potential poisoning hazards associated with Halloween activities, including costumes, makeup, glow sticks and decorations.

To help families celebrate safely, the IPC is sharing several important safety tips for parents and trick-or-treaters.

Costume Safety:

• Choose flame-resistant costumes that fit properly and are short enough to prevent trips and falls.
• Make sure masks fit securely and provide adequate visibility and ventilation.
• Use nontoxic face paint or makeup instead of masks that could obstruct vision. Test makeup on a small area of skin before applying it to a child’s face.
• Remind children not to chew on or break open glow sticks. Although the liquid inside is considered minimally toxic in small amounts, it can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as nausea or burning if swallowed.

Trick-or-Treating Safety:

• Stay in familiar, well-lit areas and take younger children trick-or-treating before dark when possible.
• Carry flashlights and use reflective clothing or tape on costumes and candy bags to increase visibility.
• Use caution when crossing streets and remind children to watch for approaching vehicles.
• Remove costume makeup before bedtime to help prevent skin and eye irritation.

The IPC also reminds families to use caution when handling dry ice, which is sometimes used in Halloween decorations. Direct contact can cause serious skin injuries, and dry ice should never be placed directly into drinking cups.

The Illinois Poison Center helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-222-1222.

For additional Halloween safety tips, visit the Illinois Poison Center’s website.

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