The National Poisons Centre is available 24/7 throughout the holiday period including Christmas Day; just call 0800 764 766
The holiday season is here and with all the fun associated with this time of year, there are also some hazards to be aware of. Here are a few safety tips from the New Zealand National Poisons Centre
Holiday Plants
If you suspect a plant has been ingested, call the National Poisons Centre. Do not make the person vomit. When possible, have the species name or common name of the plant handy as we are unable to identify plants over the phone. Apps on your phone can be used to help identify plants, the National Poisons Centre recommends trying the Pl@ntnet app which we have found to be the most reliable.
Christmas Bells - Sandersonia aurantiaca
Grows as a climber. The flowers are commonly yellow, orange, or pale cream in colour and look like bells or lanterns. This plant has a very high potential for toxicity, as it may attract the attention of children, and a small exposure may be dangerous. Common symptoms are severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which can be delayed. Medical attention must be sought.
Christmas Cactus - Schlumbergera spp (also known as
Zygocactus truncatus)
Considered non-toxic.
Christmas Lily - Lilium tigrinum, Lilium candidum
Considered non-toxic to humans. Can be toxic to cats, consider calling your vet or the animal poisons line at 0800 869 738 if an animal has been exposed (charges may apply).
Christmas Trees - Pine, Rata and Pohutakawa
The needles may cause choking, but are non-toxic.
Holly Berries - Ilex spp
The bright red berries are very attractive to children. Nibbling on 1 or 2 berries would not be expected to cause any symptoms. However, swallowing more may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, excitement and weakness. If an ingestion has occurred call the National Poisons Centre for advice.
Jerusalem Cherry – Solanum pseudocapsicum
This ornamental shrub has either yellow/green or bright shiny orange-red berries. Flowers are white and star-shaped. If this plant is eaten, symptoms can include vomiting, redness of the skin, drowsiness or restlessness, and hallucinations. If an ingestion has occurred call the National Poisons Centre for advice.
Poinsettia - Euphorbia pulcherrima
The flowers are usually small and come in a variety of colours. The fruit has 3 grooves that appear to divide the fruit into segments. If many leaves are eaten, a mild stomach upset may occur. The sap may cause a skin rash and should be washed off with soap and water.
Christmas Decorations
Candles
Candles consist of wax and synthetic materials, which are non-toxic. Colouring and scents may be added, but these too are non-toxic in the amounts present. If chunks of candle are swallowed whole, they may pose a choking hazard to small children.
Tree decorations
These are usually made of glass, thin metal, polystyrene or wood. If a child swallows a piece of ornament, it may cause choking and/or a blockage in the intestines.
Christmas tree preservatives
Preservatives are available commercially and contain a non-toxic concentrated sugar solution. Homemade solutions may contain aspirin or bleach which can be potentially harmful if a large amount is swallowed.
Gift wrap, glitter, tinsel and ribbons
These products are non-toxic, however, large pieces could be a choking hazard.
Snow sprays
Fake snow often contains acetone or methylene chloride, which can be harmful when inhaled. Inhaling the spray in a small, poorly ventilated room may result in nausea, light-headedness and headache. Longer or more concentrated exposures can be more serious. Follow directions on the container and ensure good ventilation when spraying. Once dry, the snow particles are non-toxic.
Other Holiday Hazards
If a child ingests any of the following things, ring the National Poisons Centre. In the case of medicines, remember to have the name and strength of the medication with you.
Alcohol (e.g. Wine, Beer or Spirits)
Alcohol poisoning is common in children throughout the year. The incidence increases over the holiday season as they are more likely to have access to alcoholic beverages. Children are curious and will often drink the contents of a partially filled glass. Aside from beverages, alcohol is also found in hand sanitisers, perfumes, aftershave lotions, and mouthwashes; care should be taken to keep these products out of reach of children.
Coins
Coins in Christmas puddings may cause discoloration or tainting of the pudding. There is also a possibility that someone may inadvertently swallow a coin, especially if smaller coins are used. Coins should either be placed under the plate rather than in the pudding or alternatively wrapped securely in tin foil and placed in the pudding. If the second option is chosen the diners should be told that there are coins in the pudding to minimise the risk of ingestion. An ingested coin may become lodged in the throat or stomach.
Vapes, Cigarettes & Nicotine Containing Products
Children are known to eat whole cigarettes, cigarette "butts" and nicotine gum. Children also often get into vapes and vape juices. All nicotine containing products are potentially harmful even smoked cigarette butts. Vape juice is particularly potent and should be keep completely out of access from any children. When nicotine is swallowed or inhaled, symptoms can result in vomiting, sweating and seizures.
Visitors Medicines
Medicines are often easily accessible to children over the Christmas period as visitors come to stay and may leave medications in bags, on a nightstand or in the bathroom. Furthermore, in many cases medications will not be fitted with a child-resistant cap. Watch children more closely in this situation and if people are staying, politely ask them to store medicines out of reach and sight of small children.
Button Batteries
New presents will often come with batteries ready for use. These flat, coin-like batteries are commonly used in watches, cameras, hearing aids and games. If swallowed, they may lodge in the throat or stomach. In cases where they leak, burns may occur. Children may also insert these and other small objects into their ears or nose. In most cases an x-ray will be required to determine the position of the battery in the gastrointestinal tract.
Silica Gel
Silica gel is often found in shoe boxes and other packaging. It is considered minimally toxic, and symptoms are not expected following a one-off accidental ingestion. The main concern with silica gel is if the packaging is eaten, in which case it may create a choking hazard.
From the National Poisons Centre we wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday season.