Avoid a Halloween scare with these safety tips from the Salt Lake County Health Department

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — As Halloween approaches, the Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) is reminding families to keep the holiday safe, and lead-free.

The SLCoHD shared that lead can be found in some imported or inexpensive costume makeup, jewelry, and accessories. Families are encouraged to purchase new, labeled, and FDA-compliant products. Unlabeled items may be unsafe.

Candice Briese, lead poisoning prevention health educator, shared that no amount of lead exposure is safe.

“Even small amounts can affect a child’s growth, learning, and behavior. Choosing safe costume materials, washing hands and faces before eating candy, and avoiding unlabeled products are simple, effective ways to protect kids this Halloween,” said Briese.

Pedestrian injuries

Lead exposure is not the only safety concern on Halloween. The SLCoHD shared that pedestrian injuries are a risk on Halloween night.

“Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year,” said May Romo, injury prevention coordinator. “Visibility and supervision are key. Parents can make Halloween much safer by joining their children, using reflective materials, and slowing down when driving through neighborhoods.”

The SLCoHD shared five reminders to help keep children safe this Halloween:

1. Choose safe costume materials and avoid unlabeled or old makeup. 
2. Wash hands and faces before eating candy. 
3. Carry glow sticks or flashlights and use reflective tape on costumes and bags. 
4. Join children under 12 for trick-or-treating. 
5. Cross streets at corners or crosswalks.