Are Halloween Costumes And Make Up Poisoning Us

As Halloween Is Approaching…

As Fall is coming slowly, Halloween partying is getting closer too, it seems we are all dug in preparations for the night.

But, in all that hurry, we must be very careful from where we buy Halloween costumes and make up, as we don’t want to end up poisoning ourselves.

It is important to read the labels of manufacturing before buying the costumes!

Don’t worry, we’re not here to ruin your Halloween party for you…we just want you to have the safest, healthiest and happiest Halloween ever!

Chemicals In Costumes And Decorations

Costumes, accessories and decorations from most major Halloween retailers, may contain chemicals and additives that have been linked to many health issues causing reproductive problems, developmental delays and even cancer.

In evaluation of nearly 150 Halloween products, 1/3 contained PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a known as endocrine disruptor.

Additionally, PVC fabric is frequently treated with chemicals known as phthalates, which are harmful to our health.

Phtalates near children may cause so many health issues, such as premature puberty, many birth defects, liver problems, and testicular cancer later in life.

PVC products also contain dioxins, which are chemicals classified as carcinogens, and cause reproductive issues and learning delays.

Did you knew this?

And What About Lead

Lead is another toxin that often contaminates cheap foreign goods, including food and children’s toys, and it shouldn’t be a surprise if it can be found in Halloween products as well.

Lead poisoning is exceptionally hazardous to children.

It interferes with calcium and has a severely negative effect on nerve function. Exposure to lead is even linked to cognitive and hearing impairment, as well as threatening proper fetal development.

Pregnant women who have been exposed to lead, may experience miscarriage, premature birth, or have undersized babies.

Imagine that…

Flame Retardants

Fabrics that have been treated with flame retardants are another concern with respect to Halloween costume safety. Such fabrics are often contaminated with antimony and other dangerous chemicals.

Exposure to antimony trioxide is linked to sharp increases in peripheral arterial disease (a condition that causes atherosclerotic plaque to form in the arteries).

Some flame retardants in the Halloween costumes are especially dangerous to children, because their chemical structure is similar to developmental neurotoxins like organophosphate pesticides, which affect brain development.

Toxic Makeup

Makeup in general, is something to watch out for, as toxic metals contaminate cosmetics all the time.

Some face painting kits for children also contain high levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and antimony, all of which are especially toxic to the kidneys and the immune, reproductive and nervous systems.

Therefore, it is highly recommendable to check this out before buying.

Surely you wouldn’t impose your child at such risk.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks and glow jewelry seem like a harmless way to stay visible, but the chemicals in those plastic tubes do pose a threat.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and anthracene, two chemicals found in glow sticks, can be highly poisonous.

To be fair to glow sticks, the amount contained is usually too small to cause problems in humans. A more likely scenario is a child or pet getting it in their eyes, mouth, or on their skin.

Watch out for that…

How To Have Hazardous Free Halloween

There are always safe alternatives. Reducing your exposure to toxins in the first place is a better strategy than no strategy at all.

When assembling your Halloween costumes, examine the labels before purchasing. Or, even better, make your own costumes and accessories with non-toxic materials.

It is always safer option.

Tips

Wear a wig instead of temporary spray-on hair color
Avoid plastic teeth as they tend to be softened with phthalates
Look for makeup kits labeled non-toxic, and make sure they are produced in a country with strict regulations on consumer goods.
Wash off makeup before bed
Check labels on costumes and accessories for vinyl and flame retardants
Limit candy consumption, avoid corn syrup and synthetic food dyes

Yes, we know how difficult to resist all the Halloween cakes, cookies, and candy, but you can easily find recipes that can recreate the traditional treats with healthy ingredients like cashews, chia seeds and dark chocolate.

Whatever you do – making a healthier choice is always your best option.

The choice is always – YOURS!

Halloween costumes