Halloween safety: New Jersey Poison Control Center warns of candy, cannabis edibles and other hidden dangers
NEW JERSEY — As families prepare for Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is reminding parents and caregivers to watch for potential poisoning hazards involving candy, cannabis edibles, costume makeup, alcohol and other substances.
Bruce Ruck, managing director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, is offering safety recommendations to help children, adults and pets avoid potentially dangerous exposures during Halloween celebrations. The center is urging families to take precautions before heading out for trick-or-treating or attending holiday parties.
Each year, approximately 35 million children across the United States participate in trick-or-treating, according to estimates cited by Rutgers. The university also cited estimates indicating that about 3,200 people visit emergency departments for Halloween-related injuries annually, with children younger than 18 accounting for approximately 46% of those visits.
The Poison Control Center has previously assisted with serious Halloween-related incidents, including a toddler hospitalized after accidentally consuming cannabis edibles found in a babysitter’s coat pocket. The child experienced severe nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing. In another case, a parent suffered injuries after improperly handling and storing dry ice.
Inspect Halloween candy and watch for cannabis edibles
One of the center’s primary recommendations is for parents and caregivers to inspect children’s Halloween candy before allowing them to eat it. Potential signs of tampering include opened wrappers, packaging that does not match the candy inside, misspelled words on labels and treats that have an unusual appearance or odor.
The center also warns that cannabis edibles can closely resemble commercially available candy, sometimes using similar names, colors and packaging. These products can be mistaken for ordinary sweets by children and adults, including individuals with dementia or other special health needs. Some illegal drugs, including ecstasy tablets, may also resemble colorful candy and can cause serious medical complications if accidentally consumed.
According to the New Jersey Poison Control Center, its specialists provide medical guidance each year for more than 150 children ages 5 and younger who accidentally consume cannabis edibles. Officials recommend treating cannabis products and other potentially harmful substances like medications by keeping them locked away, out of sight and beyond children’s reach.
Food allergies pose additional risks
Halloween treats can also present serious risks for children with food allergies. Approximately 4 million children in the United States have food allergies, including reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat and eggs, according to figures cited by Rutgers.
Parents of children with food allergies should carefully examine candy labels and monitor treats collected while trick-or-treating to help prevent potentially severe allergic reactions. Families can also use the Teal Pumpkin Project, which identifies participating homes offering nonfood treats as alternatives for children with food allergies.
Use caution with face paint, makeup and costume contact lenses
Halloween makeup and face paint may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly when products contain unfamiliar ingredients. The Poison Control Center recommends purchasing face paints and cosmetics from reputable retailers, checking ingredient labels for known allergens and selecting products labeled as nontoxic.
Parents should test makeup on a small area of skin before applying it more extensively. Some imported or inexpensive cosmetic products have been found to contain lead, according to Rutgers. Children and adults should also wash their hands with soap and water before eating when wearing face paint and remove all makeup before going to bed.
The center additionally cautions against using decorative contact lenses purchased without a prescription. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some nonprescription costume contact lenses may contain potentially harmful chemicals, including chlorine and iron. Consumers should purchase decorative contact lenses only from retailers that require a prescription and sell products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening
Alcoholic beverages served at Halloween parties can pose significant risks, particularly when children or pets accidentally consume them. The Poison Control Center warns that even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious medical complications or death in children.
Adults are also at risk of alcohol poisoning, particularly when consuming excessive amounts of beer, wine, liquor or alcoholic punches. Someone who appears severely intoxicated, loses consciousness or cannot be awakened may be experiencing alcohol poisoning and requires immediate medical attention. Officials emphasize that allowing someone with suspected alcohol poisoning to sleep it off is not a safe response.
Keep Halloween treats away from pets
Halloween candy and other holiday products can also be dangerous for household pets. Chocolate, cocoa and products containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause serious poisoning in animals. Depending on the substance and amount consumed, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and potentially fatal complications.
Cannabis edibles are another concern because they may contain high concentrations of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Pet owners should keep candy, cannabis products and other potentially dangerous substances secured where animals cannot reach them. Anyone who suspects a pet has consumed a harmful substance should contact a veterinarian or seek care at an animal hospital.
Poison Control Center available around the clock
The New Jersey Poison Control Center provides free, confidential medical guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents who believe someone has been exposed to a potentially dangerous product or substance should contact the Poison Help line immediately at 1-800-222-1222 or seek assistance through the center’s website at www.njpies.org.
For a person who is unconscious, having trouble breathing or experiencing another life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
