Holiday health hazards for small children

The holiday season brings excitement and fun, but it can also bring hazards for small children. Here are some things to watch for over the holidays.

Alcohol: The incidence of alcohol poisoning increases during the holiday season when children have access to leftover cocktails. Children often imitate adults and they will drink partially filled glasses regardless of the contents. Always empty beverage glasses and place them out of the reach of curious kids.
Disc Batteries: These flat-shaped, coin-like batteries are commonly used in watches, cameras, hearing aids, games and calculators. They may, if swallowed, stick in the throat or stomach, causing serious burns as the chemical leaks out. Also, children may insert these small objects into their ears or nose.
Medicines: Visitors often leave medicines on a nightstand or in the bathroom, making them easily accessible to children. Medications given to seniors often do not have child-resistant closures, allowing children to open them with very little difficulty. Also, purses of visitors may contain medicines and other potentially dangerous items. Remember that the homes of friends and relatives may not be poison-proof, particularly if children do not usually live there.
Gift-Wrap: Most wrapping paper and ribbons are non-toxic, but foil and colored gift-wrap may contain lead. Do not let babies chew on these papers.
Snow Sprays: Many snow sprays contain acetone or methylene chloride. This solvent can be harmful when inhaled. Briefly inhaling the spray in a small, poorly ventilated room may result in nausea, lightheadedness and headache. Longer or more concentrated exposures can be more serious. Carefully follow container directions. Be sure to have the room well ventilated when you spray. Once dry, the snow particles are non-toxic.
Angel Hair: Angel hair is finely spun glass, which can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and the throat if swallowed. Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating.
Candles: Candles consist of wax and synthetic materials. Small amounts of non-poisonous colors and scents are added and small chunks pose a choking hazard to small children. Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other plants or trees. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not fall.
Christmas tree ornaments: Ornaments can be made of glass, thin metal, styrofoam, or wood. If a child swallows a piece of an ornament, it could cause choking and/or blockage in the intestines. Antique or foreign-made ornaments may be decorated with lead-based paint.

Poisonous Holiday Plants:

Holly
The stiff green leaves and bright red berries are extremely attractive to children. Holly berries are significantly poisonous, ingestion of 20 berries can mean death to a child.
Mistletoe
The berries, leaves, and stem are all considered toxic. Contact the Poison Center if ingestion of any amount occurs.
Jerusalem Cherry
This plant contains bright orange to scarlet colored berries. The entire plant is toxic. Call the Poison Center if ingested in any amount.
Bittersweet
All parts of this plant are considered toxic. The unripe berries contain the highest concentration of Solanine, which causes a heart rate below 60, sedation, and headaches.

Source: www.mnpoison.org
And Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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