It's the time of year to begin decking the halls, but make sure to childproof them as well!

 

Here are some tips to make sure your holidays are merry and bright:
  • Tree: Ornaments and lights on the tree may be attractive to a child. Some decorations may contain lead, such as some strings of Christmas tree lights. Try not to place ornaments or lights where toddlers, or any mobile babies, can reach them.
  • Plants: Traditional holiday plants may be beautiful as part of the holiday decor, but be sure to know which of these plants are toxic. Although poinsettias are minimally toxic, holly berries and mistletoe can be very toxic.
  • Decorations: The same smell that makes a liquid candle or scented oil festive, also makes them appealing to children who swallow the liquid. Use hard, scented candles instead and keep the flames far away from small hands and long hair.
  • Presents: Many toys and other items (e.g., musical gift cards and books, remote controls, ornaments) contain small disc (button) batteries. These batteries can cause severe injury or death if swallowed. Do not allow children to play with or have access to items containing button batteries unless the batteries are secured in compartments that require a screw driver for opening. Also, do not purchase magnetic toy sets or novelty items if there are young children in the home as these high-powered magnets can also have devastating consequences if swallowed.
  • Festivities: Many holiday beverages containing alcohol may be inviting to children. Children are often curious and like to imitate adults. If consumed by children, alcoholic drinks can be harmful. Do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended and keep all alcohol products out of children's reach.
  • Travel: In addition to presents, visitors may bring their medications with them. Make sure they are not stored in suitcases, pockets, or purses where children may go exploring. To a child, medicine looks like candy. Find a place for visitors who are staying to store their medicines out of your children's reach.
No matter what your holiday has in store, remember that the Poison Center experts are always here for any of your potentially toxic needs at 1-800-222-1222.  Yes, we are here on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Years and all other holidays as well!
  
  
  
  
  
  
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The poinsettia is a holiday plant that has a horrible reputation, but is in fact minimally toxic. The poinsettia myth started in 1919 when a 2-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer died from supposedly ingesting poinsettia leaves. The rest is history. Massive quantities of poinsettia leaves can cause an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The sap may cause a skin rash and should be washed off with soap and water. For questions about this and other holiday plants, call 1-800-222-1222.
    
 
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)
and your local Poison Center supports federal legislation to mandate the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to require child-proof packaging for liquid nicotine sold to consumers. In light of the recent death of a 1 yr old boy possibly as a result of a nicotine ingestion, the currently proposed legislation, Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2014, would require child-proof packaging for all liquid nicotine sold to consumers.

One teaspoon of liquid nicotine could be lethal to a child, and smaller amounts can cause severe illness, often requiring trips to the emergency department. Despite the dangers these products pose to children, there are currently no standards set in place that require child-proof packaging. By addressing this void, the legislation would work to protect children from ingesting or encountering liquid nicotine in the future.

In 2012, poison centers across the country received 460 exposure calls attributed to liquid nicotine and e-cigarettes. That number more than tripled in 2013 to 1,543 with slightly more than half of those reported exposures occurring in young children under the age of six. With less than a month left in 2014, the numbers have again more than doubled, with 3,638 exposure calls to poison centers through Nov. 30.