The holiday season, with excited children, rushing parents, holiday decorations, and holiday parties, can unfortunately create potential for accidental poisonings.
The health professionals at the Florida/USVI Poison Information Center-Jacksonville would like to remind everyone of the potential poisoning hazards that could threaten your holiday cheer. Bacterial food poisoning from mishandled food at parties can result in diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting. These symptoms usually go away in 12 to 24 hours; however, severe and persistent symptoms, especially when accompanied by fever, can signal that medical attention is needed.
Holiday decorations at this time of year often find their way into a young child’s or pet’s mouth. Likewise, alcoholic beverages left unattended at family parties have been known to change holiday cheer into a significant cause for concern. The Poison Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222, 24 hours a day, to immediately help with any of these concerns or to answer questions about these holiday hazards.
The following tips can help you to ensure a safer holiday season. Don’t forget to remind your sleepover holiday guests to keep their medications up, out of reach and out of sight of young children.
Food
- Do not thaw food at room temperature; this allows for bacterial growth. Thaw frozen food unwrapped in the refrigerator.
- Wash work areas, utensils and hands after contact with uncooked meat.
- Cook food carefully as to prevent salmonella. Salmonella is a common and widespread cause of food poisoning and is typically found in raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk, fish and their byproducts. Salmonella can only be destroyed by cooking food thoroughly to temperatures above 140 degrees.
- Refrigerate leftovers separately after the meal; room temperature is not sufficient. Use leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy within three days of cooking.
Decorations
- Although they are not fatal (as folklore depicts), poinsettias if consumed, can cause some stomach pain and even vomiting. Keep small children and pets away from poinsettias to keep the plant pretty and the kids and pets comfortable.
- Antique ornaments might have hidden hazards. Be aware that some older ornaments may be decorated with harmful lead paints or contain poisonous liquids. Bubble lights may contain methylene chloride which is toxic if the liquid is swallowed.
- The use of artificial snow can cause respiratory problems if not used in a well-ventilated area.
- Angel hair, made of spun glass, is irritating to the eyes and skin. Be mindful of icicles or tinsel; both can be a choking hazard if put in the mouth.
- Lamp oils can be toxic if contents are swallowed and coughed/vomited into the lungs.
- Artificial tree scents often contain alcohol and other irritants, and can be dangerous if swallowed or sprayed into the eyes. Tree preservatives, which may have dangerous levels of electrolytes and chemicals, should be kept away from children and pets.
Alcoholic Beverages
- Clean up immediately following all holiday parties so that alcohol, cigarette butts, and other potentially harmful items are not within reach of children who may imitate adult behavior.
- A small amount of alcohol can cause a child’s blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level. Sleepiness, seizures and breathing difficulties can occur when a child swallows alcohol.
- Store all alcoholic beverages in a locked cabinet or up and out of reach and sight of children.
- Don’t drink and drive.
If you suspect a poisoning has occurred, or if you have questions concerning poisonings, immediately call the Poison Center Help Line toll free, 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222 and a Specialist in Poison Information will assist you. Don’t waste time searching the Internet; call the Poison Center for the right answer the first time.