Halloween Full of Potential Dangers

Officials say pedestrian accidents are most often to blame.

“Masks can limit or block eyesight, so consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives and the hats that kids wear on their costumes should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over their eyes,” says Dr. Elizabeth LeDuc, at the Center for Pediatric Wellness in Atlanta.

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Other problems come when trick-or-treaters eat items that trigger health issues.  

Dr. Stanley Fineman, with the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic, says children with food problems could wear a sign or sticker that gives people advance warning.

“If they know that this child has a, let’s say, a peanut allergy, for instance, they would make sure that they don’t give them something with a peanut in it,” he says.

And some parents just like to err on the side of caution.

“We only visit houses that look safe, that are well-lit and that we know who lives there, or are at least familiar with the area,” says Amy Nichols, a mother of two.

Some grown-ups also fall victim to injuries during the season of the witch.

The CPSC reports pumpkin carving mishaps are at the root of many emergency room visits.