The Poison Information Center wishes everyone a safe New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is often celebrated until the small hours of the night. Sparkling wine bottles pop and fireworks light up the sky. On New Year’s Eve, the Poison Information Center receives calls especially about alcohol, fireworks, glow sticks, sparklers, and melting the traditional tin horseshoes.
Alcoholic beverages
Parents may become distracted in the heat of the party, allowing children to get their hands on alcoholic beverages. Even a small amount of strong alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in a small child.
New Year's tin horseshoes
The use of lead in the traditional mini tin horseshoes melted in Finland on New Year's Eve was banned in 2018. The tin horseshoes on the market these days contain tin instead of lead. You can also try melting sugar or beeswax instead of tin.
Glow sticks and sparklers
The glow-in-the-dark light of a glow stick is caused by a chemical reaction released from the liquids in the stick. The liquid in the glow stick can cause stinging of the skin or eyes. If swallowed, the glow stick liquid typically causes temporary gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea.
Sucking on a sparkler does not carry a risk of poisoning. Sparklers contain barium nitrate, among other substances, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms if swallowed. Seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe.
Fireworks
Fireworks contain a variety of substances such as gun powder and various metallic salts, which produce the color effects. Ingesting a small amount of these substances is not dangerous. Ingesting a large amount or severe symptoms requires medical attention.
The Poison Information Center is here to serve and help you next year as well, every day of the year at the number 0800 147 111. Happy New Year 2023!