Services: Halloween Costumes/ Toxins

Halloween costumes might be scary to look at, but some of the material lurking inside those costumes should have parents with young children downright frightened.

Consumers across the United States have found costumes and accessories with warning labels that the products might contain lead. Some of these products have tested positive for low levels of lead, while other Halloween products have been shown to contain other harmful chemicals, including phthalates (Pron: “thal-ates”) or cadmium.

Lead poisoning attacks the brain and nervous system of those who ingest it, particularly children under the age of 7. Once lead enters the bloodstream, the body has no way to eliminate it. Lead poisoning often leads to long-term developmental and behavioral problems. An estimated 300,000 children in the United States have dangerous blood lead levels. Some phthalates are linked to reproductive and respiratory disorders and cadmium has been linked to certain types of cancer, kidney failure and osteoporosis.

“Exposure to lead and other toxins can have a permanent, damaging effect, especially in children,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List (www.angieslist.com), the nation’s leading provider of consumer ratings on service companies, ranging from costume rental to lead testing specialists.

“With National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week so close to Halloween (Oct. 18-24), this is a perfect time to make the public aware of these hidden dangers. Not only have some costumes and accessories been found to contain lead, but even some candy made in Mexico with the main ingredient of tamarind has tested positive for lead, so it’s critical for parents to check the costumes their children are wearing and also to inspect their treats before they eat them.”

According to a recent nationwide poll of Angie’s List members, 76 percent said they were not aware of Halloween costumes containing lead. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents said they had never had a costume or accessory tested for lead, but 37 percent said they would now consider it.

There are over-the-counter lead tests available for consumers to purchase, however these tests are not always reliable and some are not designed for use on fabric or rough surfaces. Certified lead inspectors offer the most accurate test by using an x-ray fluorescence spectrum analyzer system (XRF).

Angie's List rates lead testing and removal and has added special icons to the profiles of service companies on the List that have received lead safety training.

“Flammable costumes remain the top Halloween hazard, but we’ve also heard stories about masks, false teeth and certain decorative jewelry that have tested positive for lead and other chemicals,” Hicks said.  “It appears the vast majority of products out there are safe, but without testing you don't know and you can't always trust the labels. This year, instead of taking a chance on a store-bought mask or accessory, consider an alternative, like wearing a wig and using food coloring and other natural ingredients to make face paint. If you’re artistically challenged, check with your local beautician or hair salon to see if they have someone on staff that could do a Halloween makeup job instead.”

Angie’s List offers 13 tips to ensure your child has a safe Halloween, while still having a hauntingly good time:

1. Make certain your child only wears a costume made of fire-retardant materials. Avoid loose hanging parts such as sashes, shredded parts or overly long sleeves, which can easily catch fire from a jack-o-lantern or candle or can get caught on something.
2. Check the costume’s warning label. If it contains lead, phthalates or cadmium, choose another costume. These can be severely damaging to young children.
3. Costumes should be loose, so warm clothes can be worn underneath without restricting arm or leg movement. If your child does wear a mask, be sure holes for the eyes, nose and mouth are large enough for comfort and that they don’t restrict vision or breathing.
4. Costumes that are too long and oversized shoes are tripping hazards. Avoid both.
5. Many safety experts recommend wearing makeup instead of a mask, but some Halloween makeup products also contain lead. Check the packaging closely before you buy. Also, test any new makeup products in a small area of the inside of the arm a few days before you intend to use it to check for reactions from latex or other adhesive allergies.
6. Consider hair-coloring products, such as a temporary spray, as an alternative to wigs. Check the product for information on washing and any concerns for dyed or chemically treated hair.
7. Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Put a few strips of reflective tape on the costume – and on their candy bag – to make children more visible.
8. Attach your child’s name, address and telephone number (including area code) to his or her clothes in case your child gets lost or separated from you.
9. Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp or heavy objects.
10. Follow your community’s guidelines for trick-or-treating hours.  If it’s dark outside, provide your child with a flashlight or glow stick to help them see steps and other obstructions.
11. Parents with younger children trick-or-treating should accompany them. Older children should trick-or-treat in groups.
12. If you are planning to wear decorative contact lenses – which have become a popular Halloween accessory – contact an eye care professional to ensure that they are properly fitted and are appropriate for you to wear. Angie’s List now rates medical service providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists.
13. Inspect your child’s candy and goodies before you let them have it.

Angie’s Halloween tips for homeowners:

• Clear the yard - Look out for things such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip trick-or-treaters. Also, check for low tree limbs, support wires and hard-to-see fences between yards.
• Be careful with candles - Opt for a plug-in or battery-powered jack-o-lantern instead of using a live candle. If you insist on a live flame, be sure it is away from any possible exposure to trick-or-treaters' costumes, or where they will be walking or standing.
• Secure your pets - Be sure your pets are secured, or arrange for them to stay somewhere else. Some pets become frightened; others may become territorial or even aggressive towards trick-or-treaters.  
• Light the path - Check that the path and stairs to your front door are well illuminated and clear of obstacles. While it’s tempting to create a dark and spooky home theme, poor lighting can be a major safety hazard. 
• And, speaking of treats – Avoid candy that has Tamarind as an ingredient and always have children wash their hands before eating candy (that has already been inspected). Consider some healthier options like low-fat crackers, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls or raisins; or non-food treats such as (unsharpened) pencils, stickers or coins.

1,011 Angie’s List members took our poll. Responses are representative of Angie’s List members, but not the general public.

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Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 425 different categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the award-winning Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Get more information about Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com View the latest Angie's List News Releases in our Press Center and read Angie’s blog at http://www.angiehicksblog.com.