Parkland expert offers advice to prevent your holiday from turning toxic

Be aware of seasonal poisoning hazards

DALLAS – While holidays are a joyous time to celebrate, they can also be dangerous if certain precautions are not taken. The risk of poisoning increases when families and children are in unfamiliar settings – particularly those that are not “kid-proofed.” If you’re off to grandmother’s house to celebrate the season, an expert from the North Texas Poison Center (NTPC) housed at Parkland Memorial Hospital shares how to prevent common causes of poisoning this time of year and what holiday items could pose a danger to you or your loved ones.

The NTPC, along with five other accredited regional poison centers, provides emergency treatment information to Texas residents for poisonings or toxic exposures. The NTPC region covers 42 counties and a population of more than 8 million people. Staff members are specialists in poison information (SPI) or certified specialists in poison information (CSPI) who are nationally certified registered nurses, pharmacists, physicians. The NTPC reports receiving higher-than usual call volumes during November, December and January, months often associated with holiday travel or hosting.

“It’s very important to make sure that medications, alcohol and any items containing button batteries are out of reach from little ones,” said Vannia Atao Wrobel, MPH, a public health educator with the NTPC. “Before traveling be sure to communicate with the family or friends you plan to visit and ask them if they have medications or other harmful substances within reach and make a plan to ensure they are put away.”

According to America’s Poison Centers, common seasonal poisoning hazards in the winter include:

• Carbon monoxide, a very dangerous odorless and colorless gas: The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious health concerns, including death. A simple wall mount carbon monoxide detector is an easy tool to help prevent poisoning.
• Alcohol: The holidays are usually marked with celebrating, and that often includes alcoholic beverages. Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to children, so be sure to keep wine, beer, liquor and other mixed drinks up and out of reach.
• Button batteries: These coined-shaped, metallic and tiny batteries are found in many household and holiday items, including toys, remote controls, musical greeting cards and even some holiday décor. If swallowed, they can get stuck in the esophagus, particularly in a child’s narrow esophagus. The battery can cause severe tissue damage, even death. Button batteries may also cause injury if placed in the nose or the ears.
• Holiday decorations: “Bubble” lights contain a toxic liquid that can burn children or pets if spilled. And while most snow globes contain water, some have been found to contain toxic chemicals such as antifreeze.

“The holidays are a time for fun and to celebrate with those you love, but by having a plan and educating your loved ones, you can prevent accidental poisonings this season,” Atao Wrobel said.

Specialists with the North Texas Poison Center are available 24/7 to answer questions for anyone with a poison question by calling 1-800-222-1222. The call is free, confidential and for non-English speaking persons, the Texas Poison Center Network has a translation service available for assistance in more than 160 languages.

For more information about Parkland, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.