Safety tips for holidays

As families in Southeast Texas continue to get together this holiday season - and children may be staying over in homes unaccustomed to having youngsters - it's important to take precautions to avoid potential poisoning accidents.

"First, get poison smart," says Jon Thompson, director of the Southeast Texas Poison Center located at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

"Keep the special telephone number for the poison center, (800) 222-1222, handy and easily visible. Call for assistance to identify the seasonal products that can be hazardous to your children and pets.

"Remember this is a busy and hurried time for everyone. Do not let the extra holiday details distract you. Be vigilant about safe storage and proper product handling. Make sure children and pets are appropriately supervised." Here are a few safety tips to consider:

Hazardous decorations • If you still have Christmas angel hair made of finely spun glass, remember that it can irritate the skin, eyes and throat if swallowed. Wear gloves while handling it.

• Bubble lights contain a small amount of methylene chloride, also found in paint removers. One "opened" light may cause mild skin or mouth irritation. More can be severely toxic.

• Candles consist of wax, synthetic materials, colors and scents that are nontoxic though swallowed pieces are a choking hazard to small children.

• Gift-wrap is mostly nontoxic, but foil or colored wrap may contain lead.

Holiday plants

• Christmas trees are not poisonous; but the bark when ingested can cause nausea, the needles may cause choking and the sap may irritate the skin.

• The entire mistletoe plant (phoradendron) contains toxic substances. Consuming only a few berries or leaves may cause mild stomach or intestinal upset, vomiting or diarrhea. Large amounts may cause drowsiness or more severe stomach or intestinal symptoms.