Poison Information Center wishes everyone a safe Christmas
At Christmas-time, the Poison Information Center receives questions about plant toxicity and broken oven thermometers in particular.
Poinsettia
The poinsettia plant can cause local irritation. If eaten, it usually does not cause any symptoms or mild gastrointestinal symptoms at worst. Rinsing the mouth is enough if tasted.
Christmas rose, Hellebore
The entire plant is slightly poisonous and eating it may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Rinsing the mouth is enough if tasted.
Hyacinth
The entire plant is slightly poisonous and eating it may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Rinsing the mouth is enough if tasted.
Amaryllis
The entire plant is slightly poisonous and eating it may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Rinsing the mouth is enough if tasted.
Christmas tree decorations
Twinkling tree decorations attract the little ones around the tree. Any coloring that comes off Christmas tree decorations is harmless, and no treatment is needed.
Candles
Candles are harmless if tasted.
Oven thermometer
The liquid inside the thermometer is a dyed solvent or a petroleum product. If the liquid from a broken thermometer dyes a part of the food in the oven, the dyed part can be cut away. The rest of the food is still edible.
Cinnamon
Using cinnamon as a spice is harmless. Cinnamon contains coumarin. For more information on intake recommendations, visit the Finnish Food Authority website.