|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||||||||
Seasonal Hazards |
Winter Holidays Alcohol Alcohol poisoning is common in children year-round. The incidence increases during the holiday season when they have access to leftover cocktails. Children often imitate adults and they will drink partially filled glasses regardless of the contents. Always empty beverage glasses or punch bowls of alcoholic beverages as soon as guests leave and place them out of the reach of curious kids. Children are much more sensitive to alcohol than adults. Alcohol is found in beer, wine and distilled liquor, such as vodka, whiskey, rum or bourbon. Perfume, cologne, and aftershave make nice gifts for adults, but also contain very concentrated amounts of alcohol. Do not leave these packages within reach of children. Vanilla and almond extracts also have a high alcohol content. Make sure to keep all of these products out of the reach of children. Cigarettes and cigars contain enough nicotine to be dangerous to children. Children are known to eat whole cigarettes, cigars and the "butts." Ingestion can result in vomiting, sweating and seizures. Empty all ashtrays at the end of the evening. Keep all ashtrays out of reach of children. Gift-Wrap Most wrapping paper and ribbons are non-toxic, but foil and colored gift-wrap may contain lead. DO NOT let babies chew on any of these products. Christmas tree ornaments Ornaments can be made of glass, thin metal, styrofoam or wood. If a child swallows a piece of an ornament, it could cause choking and/or blockage in the intestines. Antique or foreign-made ornaments may be decorated with lead-based paint, however lead toxicity is unlikely from a small, one-time occurrence. Bubble Lights Bubble lights contain a small amount of methylene chloride, which is also found in paint removers. Nibbling on an intact light or one "opened" light may cause mild skin or mouth irritation only. Christmas tree preservatives Commercial Christmas tree preservatives usually contain a concentrated sugar solution and are considered non-toxic. Homemade solutions containing aspirin or bleach can be potentially harmful if a large amount is swallowed. Icicles or tinsel These may cause choking or obstruction, especially in cats or small dogs. Since they may contain lead and tin, they may be toxic with repeated ingestion.
These flat-shaped, coin-like batteries are commonly used in watches, cameras, hearing aids, games and calculators. They may, if swallowed, lodge in the esophagus between the throat and stomach, and cause tissue damage or obstruction. Initially, there may be no symptoms and it is recommended that an X-ray be performed to confirm location of the battery. If the battery is in the esophagus, removal is necessary. Also, children may insert these small objects into their ears or nose.
|
