Halloween
Shutterstock

Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year for the doctors, nurses and pharmacists answering New Jersey’s 24-hour Poison Helpline (800-222-1222). Steven Marcus, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, advises that simple precautions can go a long way to keep families safe. 

“Being prepared and informed about how to avoid a poisoning or how to handle a possible poisoning can ensure a positive outcome,” Marcus says. “Parents often call 9-1-1 or spend hours in the emergency room when they could have called our poison experts for immediate medical advice. If you suspect a poisoning, don’t take chances by waiting until symptoms occur or relying on family members or internet searches when you might need immediate help. Give the Poison Helpline a call first.”

Rutgers Today asked Marcus to address the most frequently questions posed to the Poison Helpline on Halloween to help parents be prepared and prevent possible poisonings.

Are glow sticks dangerous if they break or if the liquid is swallowed?

Marcus: The substance inside these glowing items is usually dibutyl phthalate, a clear, oily, colorless liquid. It is low in toxicity but can cause irritation to any part of the body that it comes into contact with, including the eyes, skin and mouth.

Children should not be allowed to chew on or break open glow sticks or any other glow-in-the-dark products since it can cause nausea and burning if swallowed. Don’t be alarmed if a child’s lips and tongue glow for a few minutes. Wipe the mouth with a clean, wet washcloth; go over the tongue and around the gum line. Have the child drink up to four ounces of water. To be safe, do not give glow products to children under the age of three.

If the liquid is splashed into an eye, irrigate it with a generous amount of room temperature water for at least 10 minutes. Exposure could possibly result in damage to the cornea if not washed out properly. If it touches the skin, wash affected areas well with soap and water. Never put these products in a microwave. 

How can parents make sure the treats their children receive are safe?

Marcus: Teach children not to consume food items, drinks or treats they accept until an adult has thoroughly checked them. Throw away any treats that are spoiled or a choking hazard, such as hard candy with small children. Check the wrappers: If the candy is unwrapped, in torn or faded wrapping or not in its original packaging, throw it out. Dispose of tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers properly to avoid children and pets choking on them if swallowed. Also, do not allow children to give treats to pets – chocolates and raisins may be poisonous to animals.

How can parents safely use Halloween makeup?

Marcus: Use non-toxic makeup to paint faces and body parts. Test face makeup in a small area of the skin first – preferably on the arm – to check for allergic reactions before applying it to the face. Do not apply makeup to the eyes or surrounding area. Avoid decorating the face or body with products that aren’t intended for the skin. Throw out any makeup that has a bad smell – this could be a sign of contamination. Remove makeup before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

What are the dangers of dry ice?

Marcus: Dry ice can cause significant burns if ingested or if it touches the skin. Always use protective clothing, such as leather gloves, when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite. Store it safely in an insulated container, not in the freezer or an unventilated area.

What are other safety considerations?

Marcus: Children should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating. Have the trick or treaters wear light-colored, preferably reflective, costumes. Alcohol can be dangerous to children, especially to little ones; make sure that opened containers, unfinished beverages and all other items containing alcohol are out of reach. This is also a good time to teach your child that medicine is not candy and to be sure your medications are locked up.


For more information, contact Patti Verbanas at 848-932-0551 or patti.verbanas@rutgers.edu