California Poison Control Offers 10 Tips for a Safe Halloween

The California Poison Control System offers these tips for a safe and healthy Halloween:

1. Many parents purchase glow-in-the-dark jewelry and glow sticks to keep their children visible while trick-or-treating in the dark. Children may break open these glow sticks and get the liquid on their hands and in their mouths.  The liquid can be mildly irritating to the skin or eyes, but is not likely to cause harm if a small amount is ingested.  

2. Tell children not to eat treats until they return home and an adult has inspected all items. 

3. Limit the amount of candy ingested at one time. Too much candy can cause stomach discomfort. Also, sugars and other sweeteners can act as laxatives when consumed in large amounts.

4. If your child brings home a brand of candy that you are unfamiliar with, throw it away. Some imported candies have high levels of lead that can be harmful.

5. Candy that is unwrapped should be discarded immediately.

6. Fruit treats should be washed and cut open before being eaten.

7. Homemade treats should be discarded unless you know and trust the individuals who prepared them.

8. Small pieces of candy are potential choking hazards for small children.

9. Torn, loose or punctured wrapping may be a sign of tampering. If you suspect tampering, this should be reported to local police.

10.Commercially produced candy may sometimes have color variation, lumps or powdered sugar residue—all normal effects of the manufacturing and shipping process. To see photos of candy with these normal effects, go here.  This candy is generally safe to eat as long as the packaging does not show signs of tampering.

Malibu parents can learn more about a variety of poison issues by following the CPCS on Facebook here and on Twitter, @poisoninfo.  Sign up for weekly safety text messages to your cell phone by texting TIPS to 69866. You can also download a free iPhone app called Choose Your Poison. 

The following is from the CPCS' website: 

The CPCS is dedicated to providing residents with the most up-to-date information and 24-hour help in case of poisoning. In case of an accidental poisoning, consumers should immediately call 800-222-1222 for advice. Pharmacists, nurses, physician-toxicologists and poison information providers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help.

In most cases, a poison exposure can be safely managed in your home, avoiding a call to 911 or a visit to a crowded hospital emergency room. Many parents think about contacting the poison control services only in case of an emergency, but experts are available to answer questions any time.