SEASONAL HAZARDS
TIPS FOR SAFE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Colorful Christmas decorations often attract young children and pets.
Some can cause serious problems if ingested, while others may only cause
minor symptoms.
Be safe! Call the Alabama Poison Center if you have questions or concerns.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
CALL THE POISON CENTER AT 1-800-222-1222
Poinsettias are a Christmas tradition. They are beautiful flowers
and come in bright red, pink and white. These bright colored
blooms also are attractive to children. Although they are not
poisonous as once predicted, they can cause some stomach upset.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
Mistletoe makes a pretty holiday decoration. But the berries and
leaves tend to come loose easily and fall on the floor or other
areas where they can be picked up by children and pets. These
can be toxic if ingested. Therefore, instead of using real mistletoe,
be safe and buy artificial plants. They are just as festive and do
not pose a health hazard to young children and pets.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
Oil lamps of all scents area a definite holiday hazard. The oil if
ingested can often trickle down the throat and take a wrong turn into
lung tissue causing coughing, wheezing and aspiration pneumonitis.
Do not induce vomiting as vomiting can often increase the risk of
aspiration.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
Bubble lights are a popular decoration because of the bubbles created
when these lights heat up. These are frequently used to decorate and
add holiday delight. But if these are broken the liquid inside can be toxic
if ingested, even in small amounts.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
Christmas lights and other tree decorations
often get broken and the small pieces can be
a choking hazard if ingested. Don’t let children
play with these as they can break easily.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222
if ingestion occurs.
Christmas turkey. For tips on cooking that Christmas
turkey and proper storage information, check out information
on our Thanksgiving page.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
Holly Berries are plentiful during the winter season. These bright
colored berries can cause stomach upset if ingested.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
Christmas Cactus make a beautiful Christmas decoration. They
come in red, pink and white colors and are considered nontoxic
but can be a choking hazard if large portions are ingested.
Call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion occurs.
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
