The HSE has warned parents to be vigilant over Christmas to avoid "common injuries" that usually affect children during the festive season.
Batteries, unsafe toys, seasonal plants and alcohol are among the potential hazards that can harm youngsters this time of year. The HSE has told parents, relatives and Santa himself to make sure all toys gifted to children are safe for them to use.
Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead in the HSE’s Child Health Public Health Programme and a public health consultant, said: “Christmas is nearly upon us and children across the country are counting down the days. There are things parents, family members and Santa Claus can do to help make this special time of year a safe one.
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“Look for the CE safety mark and check warnings on toys. Make sure children are playing with toys that are right for their age and developmental stage. Watch out for small detachable parts they can choke on, especially for young children who put things in their mouths. Keep items with strings out of reach – they are a strangulation risk. The mychild.ie section of the HSE website has an extensive child safety section to help parents and carers to reduce risks to children all year round.”
Dr Edel Duggan, Director of the National Poisons Information Centre at Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital, warned that "everyday household items" can poison children. "Parents and guardians should watch out for button and cylindrical batteries in toys, decorations and gadgets," she said.
"Serious injury can occur if a child swallows a battery or puts a leaking one in their mouth. To help prevent injury, keep all spare and used batteries out of children’s sight and reach, and safely recycle used batteries. Keep products with batteries well out of reach if the battery compartment isn’t secured with a screw.”
The National Poisons Information Centre said the following are common poison risks to children at this time of year:
- "Batteries and button batteries – children may chew on them and/or swallow them which can result in serious harm.
- "Firelighters and matches – ingestion of even small amounts can potentially cause symptoms including aspiration into the lungs if vomiting occurs.
- "Seasonal plants including poinsettia, holly, ivy and mistletoe, which are potentially poisonous.
- "Household products, cosmetics and medicines – make sure visitors keep theirs out of children’s reach.
- "Gift items and household products such as essential oils and reed diffusers – these can be highly toxic if ingested, even in small amounts. They can cause also harm to the skin and eye if exposure occurs.
- "Popular gifts like perfume, aftershave and cologne – they may contain very high concentrations of alcohol and can be toxic to children if swallowed.
- "Alcohol leftover in glasses and cans – alcohol intoxication can occur even with small volumes.
- "Car de-icers – they can contain ethylene glycol, methanol, isopropanol, propylene glycol which are all potentially toxic."
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