Released December 8, 2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – While the holiday season typically is a time for fun and creating happy family memories, it also brings the potential for accidental poisonings.
The holidays often find homes full of things that are not found every day, said Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist.
“When the holidays roll around, homes begin to fill up with various plant materials such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly,” Richardson said. “Holiday parties may include alcoholic beverages. If precautions aren’t taken, there could be serious consequences for children.”
Ethyl alcohol is a common and potentially toxic ingredient in holiday beverages. In addition, denatured alcohol is found in gifts such as perfumes and cologne. Many hospitals report an increase in cases of alcohol poisoning around the holiday season.
“This is due in part to adults leaving unfinished drinks after a party within reach of children,” she said. “Because of their small size, children are more likely to get alcohol poisoning than adults. Make sure all bottles of alcohol are put away and leftover beverages are poured down the drain before going to bed at night.”
Although legend has it that poinsettias are poisonous, they are not. Children who play with the leaves of this plant and then rub their eyes may experience redness and irritation. However, if pieces of the plants are swallowed, parents are encouraged to call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Most people enjoy a kiss under the mistletoe. Keep in mind that certain varieties of mistletoe contain substances that, in large quantities, can affect the nervous system, blood pressure and heart. The berries have the greatest potential for causing symptoms of poisoning.
Holly is another plant that often is used for decorating during the holiday season. The berries of a few of the more than 400 different varieties are reported to be poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a slowing down of breathing and heart rate if consumed.
Essential oils and flavors are also more abundant during the holidays. Some ingredients, such as salicylates in oil of wintergreen, menthol, camphor, eucalyptol and other oils and flavorings, can be extremely toxic if ingested. Some of these products also may have high alcohol content or the potential to cause severe problems if ingested.
“Anytime you think your child has ingested something that is potentially dangerous, call the DPIC. Anyone who has questions about other products in their home also may call the Drug and Poison Information Center 24 hours per day,” Richardson said. “Having a better understanding of how easily an accidental poisoning can occur is one way to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
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Contact: Trisha Gedon, 405-744-3625, trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
