The holidays have arrived, and can be a joyous time for children and adults alike. But often decorations, entertaining and other festivities can distract parents from taking proper child-safety precautions, especially when it comes to dangerous holiday poisons.
Parents should be aware of these holiday dangers and ways to prevent them:
Food
Food poisoning is very common over the holidays due to large amounts of food around the house. Hot foods should be kept hot, and cold foods should be kept cold. Remove food from the serving table as soon as the family or guests have eaten. Leftovers should be put in small containers in the refrigerator in order to cool quickly. Food poisoning is difficult to diagnose without a laboratory test, but symptoms could include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in small children. These symptoms usually develop six to eight hours after the spoiled food has been consumed. Making your child vomit or using over-the-counter anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhea medication is not recommended.
Alcohol
All types of alcohol are poisonous. After a holiday party is over, be sure to empty all glasses so your child does not sip any alcoholic beverages.
Medications
If holiday guests stay overnight, make sure their medications are out of reach from your children. Heart and diabetic medications are extremely dangerous because these may be swallowed without any obvious outward symptoms.
Tobacco
Tobacco is very toxic. Make sure children cannot get their hands on any guests’ tobacco or cigarettes. Be sure to empty ashtrays promptly, too.
Lead in toys
There is a possibility that lead could be found in children’s toys. Be aware of toy recalls due to the presence of lead.
Plants
- Holly’s bright red berries may intrigue children. Make sure your children do not swallow any of the berries.
- Mistletoe’s berries also can be extremely poisonous. Keep mistletoe out of your children’s reach.
- Poinsettias are not a highly poisonous plant, but if eaten, can cause choking, nausea or vomiting.
Decorations
- Angel hair, a type of garland, consists of spun glass similar to fiberglass and can cause injury to the eyes, skin and even the digestive system, therefore, children should not play with this decoration.
- Artificial trees are not poisonous, but they can be a choking hazard if a piece is swallowed.
- Bubble lights are filled with a liquid such as alcohol or a solvent. Beware of burns and broken glass if a child bites into the bulb.
- Candles can cause serious injuries when swallowed. Most of the scents, colorings and waxes in candles are nontoxic, however, melted wax can cause burns.
- Ornaments primarily are made from thin plaster, glass or Styrofoam® and do not necessarily pose a poison hazard if swallowed. However, if your child puts a piece of ornament in his or her mouth, remove any portion immediately to prevent choking.
To prepare for any holiday poison incidents that could occur, place Wisconsin Poison Center’s toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222, by all phones. Also, make sure babysitters know how to reach you. If you suspect your child has come in contact with a poisonous substance, call the poison center immediately. For more poison prevention information, visit www.wisconsinpoison.org.
Cathy Smith is coordinator of Wisconsin Poison Center at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, which is the poison control center for adults and children for the state of Wisconsin.