Halloween Safety: FDA Urges Flame-Resistant Costumes and Checked Candy, and Warns Decorative Contact Lenses Require a Prescription
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued safety tips for parents and costume wearers covering costumes, makeup, candy and decorative contact lenses.
For costumes, the FDA advises choosing flame-resistant fabrics and a well-fitting cut, keeping trailing hems away from open flames such as jack-o'-lantern candles, and adding reflective tape to costumes and treat bags to improve visibility at night. For makeup, it suggests using makeup instead of masks that can block vision, and testing makeup on a small area of skin 24 to 48 hours beforehand to check for an allergic reaction.
For candy, treats children bring home should be inspected before eating; anything with torn or tampered packaging should be discarded, and small items that pose a choking hazard should be removed from young children's bags. Battery-operated candles are recommended inside jack-o'-lanterns instead of real flames.
The FDA stresses that decorative contact lenses are medical devices and must not be bought or worn without an eye exam and a prescription. Wearing non-prescription lenses risks eye infection, corneal abrasion and even vision loss, and the warning applies to lenses sold at flea markets, beauty supply stores and online.
Anyone who suspects a child has eaten something harmful or shows signs of poisoning can call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 美国食品药品监督管理局（FDA）总部大楼（资料图）。GSM 联邦核心机构素材库藏图。 / Headquarters building of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (file photo). From the GSM federal-core asset pack.
