Dear Editor:
Experts at the NJ Poison Center urge parents and caregivers to be alert and take precautions to avoid dangerous mishaps while celebrating Halloween this year. Be sure to keep Trick-or-treaters safe!
A topic unique to this time of year is the “accidental” ingestion of glow stick liquid. Often, “Parents call 9-1-1 or spend hours in the emergency room, only to be told that the resulting sore throat and upset stomach will be self-limited and not produce any long term problem,” says Dr. Steven Marcus. Although such exposures rarely produce any other problem, it is best to call and check with the poison experts to be sure.
“While family members and internet searches may have some answers, these are not the best ways to get immediate help,” cautions Marcus. “Calling the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 is always the fastest way to get the professional help or information you need in potential poisoning cases.” Time is of the essence in such situations. Those who choose to not do anything are placing themselves or a loved one at risk.
Experts offer these safety tips to reduce the risk of childhood poisoning injuries.
Children should be accompanied by an adult when “trick or treating”.
Go only to homes of people known to you.
Avoid homemade treats.
Use non-toxic makeup to paint faces and body parts.
Teach children not to consume food items, drinks or treats that may be offered, until an adult has thoroughly checked them.
Throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious treats.
Make sure any items that can cause choking, such as hard candy, are given to children of an appropriate age to avoid choking.
Do not let children give treats to pets; chocolates and raisins may be poisonous to animals.
Dispose of tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers properly to avoid children and pets choking on them if swallowed.
Keep all medicines out of children’s reach.
Teach your child that medicine is not candy.
Lock up medications, especially those that can be mistaken for candy.
If someone is unconscious, not breathing, seizing/convulsing, bleeding profusely, difficult to arouse/wake up, etc. call 911 immediately, otherwise call the NJ Poison Experts at (1-800-222-1222).
Sincerely,
The New Jersey Poison Information and Education System and
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences