Poison experts see it every winter holiday season: parents rush kids to the emergency room or call hotlines, panicking that their child has ingested something dangerous.
Between holiday breaks, visiting relatives’ homes, attending festivities, and opening gifts galore, kids face extra risks for accidental exposure to poison.
In addition to heartfelt season greetings, the Nebraska Poison Center sends out reminders that changes in routine may increase risks for kids.
Poison experts urge parents and party hosts to remember safety best practices.
, Pretty holiday plants aren’t edible. Keep small children and animals away from mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants and poinsettias.
, Be mindful of small batteries. Toys, games, watches, remotes, and musical greeting cards may contain button or disk batteries. If swallowed, they can become stuck and cause serious injury or death if not removed.
, Watch out for water beads and magnets in toysExpanding water beads and rare earth magnets are inappropriate for those who may ingest them. Strong magnets can stick together in the intestines and trigger a medical emergency. If water beads are swallowed, they may swell and cause a blockage in the intestines.
, Be on the lookout for nicotine-containing products, including vape liquid and chewing tobacco, as well as CBD and THC products.These are often in brightly colored packaging that can easily be mistaken for candy or other food items for children. If swallowed by youngsters, nicotine may cause shakiness, vomiting or seizures. Keep these items away from common areas, locked and out of reach.
• Lock up cleaning cabinets. Cleansers, laundry pods, and other cleaning products should also be stored out of sight. Do not mix chemicals together when cleaning and follow all label directions for using these products.
, Remind relatives without small children about the importance of child-proofing prescription drugsEncourage friends and family to store medications up, out of sight and locked up tight, not out on a nightstand or counter. Keep all purses and travel bags secured.
• Be vigilant about the bar and alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are more readily accessible during gatherings. Clean immediately after gatherings and remove all items that may contain alcohol.
Sadly, the holiday season can bring joy and grief simultaneously. As seasonal calls to the Poison Center concerning children increase, so do calls about intentional harm.
More information:
The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) has more about poison exposure.
Copyright © 2024 Health DayAll rights reserved.
Citation: Don’t forget about holiday poisoning pitfalls (2024, December 24) retrieved 24 December 2024 from
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
