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SALT LAKE CITY — The holiday season brings with it dangers to children unique to the season, but harm can be avoided if parents are aware of the most common threats to their children's safety.
Many warnings from the Utah Poison Control Center apply year around: don't cross-contaminate foods, don't leave meat at room temperature for longer than two hours and keep alcoholic beverages out of reach of children.
Medication should be locked up out of children's reach, and garage items such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and ice melts should be kept out of reach, as well.
The center warns of common decorations that can be toxic to children:
- Mistletoe and holly berries may be poisonous if swallowed.
- Lamp oils are colorful and attractive to children, but they are extremely toxic.
- Tinsel and icicles are non‐toxic, but may cause airway or bowel obstruction. Old tinsel may contain lead.
- Glass ornaments are easily broken and can be swallowed and may cause lacerations.
- Fireplace color crystals are metallic chemicals that can cause burns.
- Poinsettia has a bad reputation, but it is NOT highly poisonous. It may cause varying degrees of irritation to the mouth and stomach.
- Bubble lights are filled with alcohol or other solvent. They can cause eye or skin irritation or nausea. Beware of broken glass if a child bites into a bulb.
- Pay special attention to toys with button batteries. These are easily swallowed or inhaled. If it leaks, it can cause severe burns.
The Utah Poison Control Center updates its homepage with current concerns and includes more information on keeping children safe.
Contributing: Nkoyo Iyamba
