Top Holiday Hazards
Keep your holidays merry, bright, and healthy by preventing poisoning from these top holiday hazards!
Button batteries
Button batteries are in watches, hearing aids, electronics, & toys. When swallowed, they can get stuck in the throat, stomach, or intestines, which can cause burns, swelling, & even death.
Cannabis (marijuana) edibles
Keep cannabis products locked up, out of sight & reach of kids. For adults, remember it can take over an hour to feel effects from edibles– so, start low, and go slow. Never mix cannabis & driving.
Medicines
Different daily routines with travel and vacation time can lead to mistakes like taking medicines twice or taking the wrong medicine. Use a checklist or cell phone app to remind yourself. Keep medicines in their original containers, not plastic bags.
Holly, mistletoe, & poinsettias
Eating holly and mistletoe leaves or berries can cause nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. Touching poinsettias can cause a mild rash, & swallowing parts of the plant can irritate the mouth or stomach. Keep plants out of reach of young kids & check regularly for leaves or berries on the ground.
Bubble lights
Bubble light liquid can cause burns & skin irritation. Swallowed liquid can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep bubble lights out of reach of young kids, & discourage all kids from playing with lights.
Food poisoning
Wash your hands, utensils, & cooking surfaces frequently. Use separate utensils & cooking surfaces for meats versus produce. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.
Water beads
If swallowed, water beads absorb liquids in the body & expand to bigger sizes. This can block the intestine & cause serious health problems. Call us immediately if a child eats a water bead.
Alcohol
In kids, small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health problems. Always clean up leftover beverages immediately, & store alcohol out of sight & reach of kids.
Unsafe storage
Provide guests with a safe place (out of sight & reach of kids) to store their medicines & any potentially harmful products. If traveling, remind your hosts to practice safe storage. And remember, you can call us from anywhere in the U.S.!
Carbon monoxide
Check your carbon monoxide detector batteries. Never use gas stoves, ovens, or grills indoors as heating sources. If traveling, use a portable carbon monoxide detector.
Cleaning & sanitizing products
Always store cleaners/sanitizers in their original containers, out of reach & sight of kids. Read labels closely & never mix cleaning products.
Call us at 1-800-222-1222
We are always here to help, 24/7/365… even on holidays! Call us from anywhere in the U.S. for fast, free, expert advice with poison questions or concerns.






