Halloween poisoning hazards in the North Country: what parents should know

Halloween hazards for children can extend beyond candy, including glow products, face paint, button batteries, medicines, cannabis edibles and alcohol. The Upstate New York Poison Center advises North Country families to check products before use, supervise children and call 1-800-222-1222 for free help at any time if a possible poisoning occurs; callers should not wait for symptoms.

What should parents check before Halloween?

Parents should inspect candy and Halloween products before children use or eat them. North Country police have advised families to keep candy in its original packaging and check it before children eat it.

The Poison Center handled 141 Halloween calls in 2024, mostly involving infants and children up to age 5. The most common exposures were linked to prescription and over-the-counter medicines. A 2023 Poison Center release said nearly 200 Halloween-night calls came in during 2022, mostly involving pain medicine and toys.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management said the Poison Center received more than 200 calls in 2024 involving pediatric exposure to edible cannabis products. The office recommends locked storage and keeping cannabis in its original child-resistant packaging.

How can families use glow sticks and light-up toys safely?

Children should be supervised around glow sticks, glow jewelry and light-up toys, and glow products should not be placed in their mouths. If a glow product breaks and liquid gets into a child’s eyes or mouth, the Poison Center can provide guidance.

Adults should secure battery compartments on light-up toys and decorations and keep loose batteries away from children. If a child swallows a button battery, seek immediate emergency medical care.

What should parents know about face paint, medicines and drinks?

Face paint should be tested on a small patch of skin before use, preferably a couple of days in advance, to check for a possible allergic reaction. Families should discard expired makeup or products with an unusual odor, follow label directions and keep paint away from the eyes unless it is specifically made for that area.

Prescription medicines, non-prescription drugs and vitamins should be kept out of children’s sight and reach. Guests should be asked to place purses and bags up high and off the floor, where children cannot reach medicine or other products.

Cannabis edibles should be stored securely, preferably in a locked location. Brightly colored cannabis gummies can resemble Halloween candy, so adults should keep them separate from children’s treats. Alcoholic drinks should remain out of children’s reach, and unattended drinks should be cleared away.

What risks should North Country families consider?

Families in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties should use the same precautions at home, while trick-or-treating and at community events. The Poison Center’s guidance applies to Halloween gatherings whether children are visiting homes, attending trunk-or-treat events or using light-up decorations outdoors.

Massena police issued a warning in 2023 after a child received a package of cannabis edibles on Halloween and asked people with a similar bag to bring it in. Black River police later urged parents to check candy and keep it in its original packaging while referencing that case.

Jefferson County lists community events including Boo at the Zoo, the Burrville Power Trunk or Treat and the SPCA Trunk or Treat. Families attending local events should keep medicines, cannabis, alcohol and purses out of children’s reach and supervise children around glow products and decorations.

When should a family call for help?

Families should call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately after a possible poisoning rather than waiting for symptoms. The service is free and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Poison Center can advise callers about exposures involving glow-product liquid, face paint, medicines, cannabis, alcohol and other substances. About 70% of poison cases can be managed at home, according to the medical director cited in public Halloween safety information, although a swallowed button battery requires immediate emergency medical care.

Where to get help or more information

The Upstate New York Poison Center’s free hotline is 1-800-222-1222. Families can also review the center’s Halloween safety guidance and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s safe-storage guidance.

Common questions

What number should I call if a child may have been poisoned on Halloween?

Call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Should I wait for symptoms before calling about a possible poisoning?

No. Call the Poison Center as soon as a possible poisoning occurs instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.

How should I test Halloween face paint?

Apply a small amount to another area of skin, ideally a couple of days before Halloween, to check for a reaction. Do not use expired makeup or products with an unusual odor.

What should Jefferson County families know about local Halloween events?

Jefferson County lists Boo at the Zoo, the Burrville Power Trunk or Treat and the SPCA Trunk or Treat. At those events, adults should supervise children and keep medicines, cannabis, alcohol and bags out of reach.

What happened in the Massena Halloween case involving cannabis edibles?

Massena police asked people with a similar bag to bring it in after a child received a package of cannabis edibles on Halloween in 2023. The incident prompted reminders to keep cannabis locked and separate from candy.

What should parents in Black River do with Halloween candy?

Black River police urged parents to check candy before children eat it and keep it in its original packaging. Families should also watch for cannabis products that could resemble candy.

What should I do if a child swallows a button battery?

Seek immediate emergency medical care. Button batteries should be kept away from children, and battery compartments on light-up toys should be secured.

Are glow sticks dangerous for children?

Glow products should not go in children’s mouths and should be used with adult supervision. If the liquid gets into a child’s eyes or mouth after a product breaks, call the Poison Center for advice.