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Every holiday season, poison control centers brace for an influx of calls from frantic parents and caregivers. With the mix of holiday excitement, travel, and gatherings, children face heightened risks of accidental poisoning. Experts urge families to stay vigilant and take precautions to prevent potential tragedies.
The Nebraska Poison Center emphasizes that the festive season brings changes in routine that can increase hazards for children. From decorative plants to accessible medications, the risks are real but preventable.
Tips for a Safe Holiday Season
Poison experts recommend keeping the following in mind to safeguard children during the holidays:
- Holiday Plants Are Not Food: Many decorative plants, such as mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants, and poinsettias, can be toxic if ingested. Keep these out of reach of small children and pets.
- Small Batteries Are a Big Danger: Button batteries, often found in toys, watches, remotes, and musical greeting cards, can cause severe injury or even death if swallowed. Ensure battery compartments are secure and keep spare batteries out of reach.
- Beware of Water Beads and Magnets: Toys with expanding water beads or rare earth magnets are unsuitable for young children. If swallowed, water beads can expand and block the intestines, while magnets can stick together inside the digestive tract, causing life-threatening injuries.
- Nicotine and Cannabis Products: Vape liquids, chewing tobacco, and CBD or THC edibles are often packaged in colorful, candy-like designs that appeal to children. Ingestion can lead to serious symptoms, including seizures. Store these products securely and out of sight.
- Secure Cleaning Products: Keep laundry pods, cleaning supplies, and other household chemicals locked away. Avoid mixing chemicals while cleaning, and follow all product label instructions.
- Child-Proof Medications: Relatives without young children may leave prescription drugs in easily accessible places. Encourage guests to store medications locked away, out of sight, and out of reach.
- Alcohol Awareness: Holiday gatherings often involve alcoholic beverages. Clean up promptly after events, ensuring leftover drinks and items containing alcohol are safely disposed of.
A Time for Awareness
The holiday season should be a time of joy, but for many families, it can also bring preventable tragedies. Poison centers also see an increase in calls related to intentional harm during this time, underscoring the importance of mental health awareness and support.
For more information about poison safety and prevention, visit the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) website or contact your local poison control center.
By staying informed and prepared, families can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
