ALBUQUERQUE — Poinsettias are getting a bad rap as a poisonous plant, but holly, mistletoe and other Christmas favorites can be hazards — 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 largest problem is children getting into medications, even if the family has a child-safe home, said Dr. Steven Sei fert, medical director of New Mexico’s 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.
“Christmas-tree ornaments can have small parts that can be choking hazards,” Seifert said.
Other decorating hazards:
• Ornaments made of glass are breakable.
• Angel hair is made of finely spun glass, which can irritate the skin.
• Fireplace crystals used to produce colored flames contain heavy metals that can be toxic in small amounts.
• Burning candles and lamps are a fire hazard, and lamp oil 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.
Plants also can be hazardous.
“To get poinsettias off the hook it’s generally considered to be a fairly safe plant,” Sei fert said. But mistletoe, various types of holly, Jerusalem cherry, Christmas rose and Christmas berry can poison children.
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.
The poison center says people should be aware of not only beer, wine and liquor when children are around but also spiked eggnog, punch and candies containing alcohol.
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,” Seifert said.
