CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Easter is a time for celebrating with food, candy, flowers, and Easter baskets. The West Virginia Poison Center recommends these tips for a poison-safe Easter.
- Easter lilies are beautiful, but they are toxic to cats. If you have cats, avoid buying Easter lilies.
- Many plants can be toxic. Before purchasing spring plants, check to see if they are poisonous to people or pets.
- Buy egg dye meant for Easter eggs. Most Easter egg dye is non-toxic, but can still be an irritant and if ingested in large amounts can be a problem.
- Refrigerate hard boiled eggs and all other cold food as soon as possible. Do not leave cold food out at room temperature for more than a few hours.
- Keep Easter basket items up and away from pets. Candy, especially chocolate and candy with Xylitol, can be toxic to dogs and cats.
- Keep items with batteries that aren’t secured by a screw out of children’s Easter baskets. Even when an item has a secured battery compartment use caution with children and button batteries.
- Easter basket items should be age appropriate for children. Some gifts could be choking hazards for younger children. Check the age recommendations on all gifts.
If a poisoning happens, call our medical experts at 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even on the holidays.
About the West Virginia Poison Center:
The West Virginia Poison Center provides comprehensive emergency poison information, prevention and educational resources to West Virginians 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The WVPC is staffed by nurses, pharmacists and physicians with special training in treatment of poisonings. Located in Charleston, WV, the WVPC is a part of the West Virginia University-Charleston Division. Toll-free:1-800-222-1222. Website: www.wvpoisoncenter.org.
