Consumer Protection is warning that dangers lurk in some products used to give people a fright at Halloween.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Tim Banfield said people who embraced the tradition should put safety first, especially for younger participants.
“You, or your children, might be getting dressed-up, decorating, or planning to trick-or-treat in your neighbourhood and it’s important you check that everything you’re using is safe and, where applicable, meets Australian safety standards,” Mr Banfield said.
“Typically on Halloween, button batteries can be used to power light-up novelty and flashing objects like lanterns, cauldrons, fake candles, wands and masks,” he said.
Mr Banfield said button batteries were ticking time bombs for children with one child a month in Australia seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery.
“Check the product and, if it does have a button battery, make sure the product has a child-resistant battery compartment and that the battery is secure,” he said.
Mr Banfield said also of concern were novelty contact lenses which did not require a prescription and could be sold anywhere.
“They can cause irritations, infections, complications or even blindness through incorrect use,” he said.
“Dressing up is all part of the fun, but some common elements to Halloween costumes can pose a risk, particularly in terms of flammability.”
The Acting Commissioner said with spooky costumes, wigs, masks and accessories “go for products that are labelled as flame or fire resistant, but still take care to keep away from open heat and avoid loose fitting costumes that can easily catch alight, as they can still be flammable”.
“No great Halloween costume is complete without a touch of fake blood, face paint or make-up, or even a temporary tattoo,” he said.
“Allergies and reactions to ingredients in cosmetics are common and, although mostly mild, can have serious anaphylactic reactions in rare circumstances,” Mr Banfield said.
