The Macon County Health Department is reminding parents and caregivers to be careful with glow sticks and other glow-in-the-dark items as Halloween approaches.
Glow sticks are popular with children during trick-or-treating, but they can break open if chewed or bitten. The Illinois Poison Center says the liquid inside is considered minimally toxic in small amounts, but it can cause irritation in the mouth, throat, eyes and skin.
If a child gets glow stick liquid in their mouth and is not showing symptoms, the Poison Center recommends giving them a few sips of water and watching for signs of irritation or vomiting.
If the liquid gets into a child’s eyes, rinse the affected eye with clean, lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Parents should contact the Illinois Poison Center if a child develops vomiting, skin sores or blisters, or experiences eye exposure.
The Illinois Poison Center offers free, confidential help around the clock at 1-800-222-1222. Anyone who is unconscious or having difficulty breathing should receive emergency assistance by calling 9-1-1.
Parents are encouraged to keep glow sticks out of young children’s mouths and throw away any that are cracked, broken or leaking.
For more information, visit the Illinois Poison Center’s glow stick safety page.
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