Families should check glow sticks, face paint and battery-powered toys before Halloween celebrations and supervise young children using them, the Upstate New York Poison Center advises.
The Poison Center outlined steps to prevent exposures in an Oct. 26 news release, including securing button batteries and putting medicines, cannabis edibles and alcohol out of children's reach.
Check glow products, face paint and light-up toys
Children should keep glow products out of their mouths and be supervised while using glow sticks and other glow accessories. If a product breaks and someone gets the liquid in their mouth or eyes, call the Poison Center for advice.
Throw away expired makeup or products with an unusual odor. Test face paint on a small patch of skin before use, especially on children, and follow label directions. Keep products away from the eyes unless they are specifically intended for that area.
Battery compartments on light-up toys and decorations should be secure, and loose button batteries should be kept away from children. If you think a child swallowed a button battery, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Put medicines, cannabis and alcohol away
Before guests arrive, put prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines and vitamins out of children's sight and reach. Ask guests to keep purses and bags up high and off the floor.
Store cannabis edibles securely, preferably in a locked location. Keep alcoholic drinks out of children's sight and reach, and clear away unattended drinks.
āHalloween can get busy, so it helps to take a quick look around before the fun starts,ā said Amy Hoffman-James, a poison prevention educator at the center.
Call without waiting for symptoms
If a possible poisoning occurs, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Experts are available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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