Halloween is a fun and festive time, but experts at the West Virginia Poison Center (WVPC) encourage parents to use caution and prioritize safety while trick-or-treating.
Candy Safety
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When in doubt, throw it out. Inspect Halloween candy before eating it. Throw away all candy with faded, torn, unwrapped, or partially wrapped packaging.
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Eat before you go. Feeding children dinner before trick-or-treating can help reduce the temptation to snack on candy that hasn’t been inspected.
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Homemade treats? Know the source. Only allow children to eat homemade goodies from people you know and trust.
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Keep candy away from medicine. Never store candy near medications or non-food items—young children may confuse medicine for candy.
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Remember your pets! Chocolate and sugar-free gum can be toxic to animals. Store candy in a secure location where pets can’t reach it.
Costume Safety
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Use non-toxic products. Face paints should always be labeled non-toxic and safe for use on skin.
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Glow safely. Glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets add visibility, but ensure the liquid inside is not leaking. Remind children not to chew or place glow products in their mouths.
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Avoid risky costume jewelry. If children are likely to put items in their mouths, avoid costume jewelry—especially products made outside the U.S., which may contain lead. If using costume jewelry, ensure its intact and supervise its use. Do not allow children to chew on or play with it after Halloween.
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Check for button batteries. Many light-up Halloween products use small, coin-sized button batteries to power them. These batteries can cause serious effects if ingested. Make sure battery compartments are securely closed and fastened with a screw.
Poisoned? Not Sure?
Call the medical experts at the West Virginia Poison Center at 1-800-222-122 with questions regarding all Halloween poisoning concerns. If you suspect a poisoning, call the WVPC immediately; do not wait for symptoms to appear.
About the West Virginia Poison Center:
The West Virginia Poison Center provides 24/7 emergency poison information, prevention advice, and educational resources to residents across the state. Staffed by nurses, pharmacists, and physicians trained in toxicology, the WVPC is based in Charleston and is part of the West Virginia University-Charleston Division.
Toll-Free: 1-800-222-1222
Website: www.wvpoisoncenter.org
