By Sue Major Holmes/
Associated Press
Poinsettias are getting a bad rap as a poisonous plant, but holly, mistletoe and other Christmas favorites can be a hazard — as can angel hair, sprayed snow, candles, ornaments, toys with small pieces or batteries, alcohol and food left out too long while you celebrate.
Christmas, in short, can be hazardous to your health and that of your kids and pets.
The holiday season disrupts many normal household routines, and items that might not usually be around — including cigars, cigarettes and alcohol — are brought into the home, the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center says.
The largest problem is children getting into medications, even if the family has a child-safe home, said Dr. Steven Seifert, medical director of the poison information center.
Visitors could have medications in a purse or a coat, or children could visit homes that aren't child-proof, he said.
And then there are all those things that aren't normally in a house, like Christmas decorations.
"Christmas tree ornaments can have small parts that can be choking hazards," Seifert said.
Other decorating hazards Seifert listed:
—Ornaments made of glass are breakable.
—Angel hair that's used to make a snowy effect is made of finely spun glass, which can be irritating.
—Fireplace crystals used to produce colored flames have heavy metals that can be toxic in fairly small amounts.
—Burning candles and lamps are a fire hazard, but the oil in the lamps also can be toxic if swallowed.
—Snow sprays often have solvents that are harmful if inhaled. "When making snow, do it in a well-ventilated area," Seifert said. "Follow all directions."
—Snow globes occasionally break. Depending on the manufacturer, the water inside might not be water, but rather a more toxic liquid. Even water can be contaminated with bacteria.
—Christmas lights, bulbs and tinsel can all be choking hazards.
Plants also can be hazardous.
"To get poinsettias off the hook ... it's generally considered to be a fairly safe plant," Seifert said. But mistletoe, various types of holly, Jerusalem cherry, Christmas rose and Christmas berry can poison children.
"Mistletoe, especially in large amounts, can cause some toxicity," Seifert said. "If it's hanging and leaves drop, children could eat the leaves."
Deaths have been attributed to eating as few as 12 berries of some types of holly, he said.
"Not all types are quite that toxic, but you really don't know what you're bringing in," Seifert said.
There is enough nicotine in cigars and cigarettes to pose a danger to children who might pick up and chew on an unlit cigar or a cigarette butt, he said.
"It can be very serious," he said. "It can cause vomiting, seizures. So pay attention to ash trays and smoking materials."
Young children also might be attracted to alcohol — a poisoning threat that can cause serious illness or even kill. The poison center says people should be aware not only of beer, wine and liquor, but also spiked eggnog, punch and candies containing alcohol.
People should stay on top of food preparation and storage over the holidays since it's easy to get distracted by guests. Seifert urges people to remain aware of precautions to avoid food poisoning — wash hands before, after and sometimes during food preparation; clean cutting boards and utensils properly to avoid cross-contamination; be careful in handling raw fish, meat and poultry; and keep hot foods hot and cold food cold.
He also said it's important to refrigerate leftovers quickly. Bacteria can appear in as few as two hours.
Christmas can be hazardous to pets, as well.
"Dogs, for example, don't handle chocolate very well. ... It causes vomiting, diarrhea and seizures in dogs. Alcohol isn't good for pets, either. People with pets should keep emergency veterinarian numbers handy," he said.
And he stressed the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning as people stay indoors when the weather turns cold. Carbon monoxide builds up when there is incomplete combustion of a heat source and-or poor ventilation.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic flu symptoms.
"They might have a headache, not feeling well; they sometimes misattribute it to having the flu," Seifert said.
Everyone should have a carbon monoxide detector.
"These are cheap and readily available," he said.
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