Holiday Home Dangers

Poinsettias may not be as poisonous as once believed, according to poison experts; but there can be other hazards in your home around the holidays threatening your children and pets. The Palmetto Poison Center is offering tips to keep the happy and healthy in the holidays.

When it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, the Comptons are in high gear. With four little kids, and three curious cats, they need to make sure the holiday eye candy isn't hazardous to a toddler delighted by the carefully trimmed tree. "She is into everything," says her mother Tiffany Compton. This year, she bought shatterproof ornaments. "I knew she would take them off the tree and throw 'em, and I didn't not put out any of my sentimental ornaments this year - just be because she is so active and I did not want her to break 'em." The Compton’s opted for the faux-fir this year, because the natural needled kind might be too tempting for a Compton kid or cat. "I was afraid with a real tree... they would climb it!"

The only plants you'll find are outside the Compton's residence. Mistletoe and holly can be poisonous to children and pets, l and although Palmetto Poison Control says poinsettias aren't as toxic as once touted, Tiffany says why take a chance when it comes to Ellie Kate?

Her mom says, "She would eat a plant. She would try to chew on the tree. She would probably try to drink the water out from a real tree," she laughs. Ornaments and decorations can be choking hazards for children and pets. Sap can be irritating to the skin, and gifts of perfume left under the tree, can be a source of alcohol poisoning for your child. The potential danger of decking the halls for holidays can be exhausting; but crucial to ensure a Merry Christmas at the Comptons.

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The most common holiday hazards people contact the Poison Center for include: Holiday Plants, Decorations, and Alcohol.

Holiday Plants

Mistletoe and Holly: All parts of these plants are poisonous and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Poinsettia: This plant is not as toxic as once thought. Ingestions of very large amounts may be harmful. A small amount accidentally ingested by a child may result in mild stomach upset. The sap from the plant may cause skin irritation.

Christmas Trees: The sap from Cedar Christmas trees may cause skin irritation. Coniferous trees such as pines, spruces and firs may be harmful if ingested in large amounts. Small amounts may cause stomach upset. The needles can be a choking hazard.

Christmas Cactus: This plant is non-toxic.

Ornaments and Decorations: Garland, tinsel, and tree ornaments can be a choking hazard and may also cause injury if they are broken.

Alcohol: Left over cocktails, unlabeled alcoholic drinks in the refrigerator and even your gifts of cologne and perfume can be a source for alcohol poisoning in children. Ingesting a couple of ounces of liquor can be potentially fatal to a small child weighing around 30 pounds. Alcohol consumption can cause a child's blood sugar to drop, which can lead to seizures or a coma. "Holiday poisonings occur every year because people get out of their normal routine. Keep in mind that not all homes are poison safe", states Dr. Jill Michels, Clinical Pharmacist and Director of the Palmetto Poison Center at the South Carolina College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina. “Accidents can easily be avoided during the holidays if we are take preventative measures by keeping items such as alcohol, cleaners, plants, and medications up and out of reach of children."

The Palmetto Poison Center is staffed by trained nurses and pharmacists who can provide treatment information when a parent needs information about Holiday safety. Additionally, the Palmetto Poison Center provides poison prevention education around the state to inform parents and youngsters not only about the dangers of household poisonings, but also outdoor exposure to poisonous agents. From medication errors to insect bites, poisonous plants, pesticides and other household chemicals, the Palmetto Poison Center can provide expert advice. The Center provides services to over 4 million residents in all 46 counties of South Carolina. Services are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To contact the Palmetto Poison Center, call 1-800-222-1222 or visit our website at http://poison.sc.edu