The “toothbrush” house isn’t the only thing you want to avoid this Halloween. Stay safe by being aware of the materials and ingredients you and your child could come in contact with.

 

 

1. Toxic face paints – According to a study published by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, almost half of the Halloween makeup products they tested contained toxins, like parabens, talc, and ethoxylated ingredients. Face paint kits can be even more dangerous, and oftentimes have high levels of nickel, cobalt, and chromium which give the products vibrant color of the paint, but are likely to trigger sensitivity or allergic reaction.
2. Terrifying Costumes  - Choose your child’s costume carefully. Of course they will want the popular character mask, but many costumes are made of PVC (“vinyl”) and are likely to be contaminated with lead and phthalates (used to make plastic more flexible) and also found in personal care products (see face paint above). These chemicals are linked to hormone disruption, cancer and respiratory problems.
3. Scary decorations – Many plastic decorations may be made from PVC, contain lead, cadmium, and other toxins. Items can range from your Halloween light sets to the plastic spider ring that your child got in a goodie bag. While lead exposure is unlikely through skin contact, it very easily can enter the body through the mouth, so be careful with these items around small children.

Now, we’re not here to scare you to death, we just want you to have the safest, healthiest, and happiest Halloween possible!