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Is Your Child's Halloween Costume Putting Them In Danger?

by: PhilSikes
Total views: 5 | Word Count: 489

One of the last things you might think about is the dangers of your incredibly cool, spiffy new Halloween costumes. But you should. Every year someone's costume goes up in flames or otherwise causes them harm. So this is not something to be taken lightly, nor to be trusted to manufacturers "safety" testing. A little bit of diligence on your part will keep your loved ones safe and the fun flowing.

One example of the dangers unsafe costumes can bring is that of a seven-year-old boy who was severely burned in 2004. Photos were taken and distributed of the boy's Lord of the Rings 'Ring Wraith' costume which, despite catching fire and hurting the boy, is still made and sold. How can you protect your children from such a tragedy?

First, consider the material used to make the costume. Those made from 100% nylon or polyester are best since they do not tend to catch fire. Even if they do, the flames are quickly extinguished. Besides the danger of the fire itself, melted polyester can drip onto and burn the skin. Be aware that some costumes have decorations or trimmings that are polyester or nylon while the costume itself is not. Anything apart from these pieces can potentially catch fire and burn, including any other article of clothing the child is wearing apart from the costume itself. Many costumes of superheroes contain ignitable foam padding. Costumes that are 100% acrylic come with the most potential danger since they are highly flammable.

Make sure to avoid lit candles in your own Halloween displays. You should also take care around people's houses that have chosen to use this unsafe practice. Halloween costumes are often long, flowing, and difficult for a youngster to control or keep track of, particularly when they're out having fun.

Besides the obvious risks associated with fire, Halloween costumes put their wearers in danger for other reasons. Costumes that are especially long and that include masks or other headwear could impede clear vision and make children more susceptible to tripping and falling, which is responsible for many injuries annually.

Using contact lenses of a specific design or color has become more popular in recent years as a part of many costumes. These contacts, sold anywhere from flea markets to gas stations, are popular with adults and can cause serious eye problems. They have been implicated in bacterial infections, corneal abrasions, and other injuries that can permanently affect vision.

The sale of such contacts is essentially unregulated, so their level of cleanliness and overall quality cannot be trusted. The best rule to follow is simple. Don't put things into your eyes that shouldn't be there in the first place.

While there certainly are some dangers associated with its celebration, Halloween can be an enjoyable day for everyone. Simply apply the above mentioned suggestions and stay safe during this holiday.

About the Author

Struggling to come up with some unique Halloween costumes for your kids this year? Visit the Get In Costume website for plenty of helpful ideas. Plus, get your free copy of my special report "The Family Guide To Halloween Safety" at http://www.getincostume.com

Is Your Child's Halloween Costume Putting Them In Danger?

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