Health Topics

Ethyl alcohol is a common and potentially toxic ingredient in holiday beverages. It, or denatured alcohol, is also found in gifts such as perfumes and colognes. DPIC receives more calls stemming from alcohol poisoning, and Cincinnati Children's emergency department sees more children due to alcohol poisoning, during the holiday season. This is often due to families leaving unfinished drinks lying around after holiday parties where children might find them. Because of their small size, children are more likely to get alcohol poisoning than are adults. Make sure all alcohol is put away before going to bed at night.

Certain varieties of mistletoe contain substances that, in large quantities, can affect the nervous system, blood pressure and the heart. Berries have the greatest potential for causing symptoms of poisoning, although other parts of the plant also contain toxins. However, in the amounts (one or two) usually ingested by small children, there is no documented cause for alarm or necessity for treatment. Contact DPIC if ingestion occurs.

There are a least 400 different varieties of holly. The berries of a few varieties of holly plants are reported to be poisonous. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a slowing down of breathing and heart rate can occur after eating holly berries.  Although the exact nature of the toxic chemicals in holly is not yet known, it is claimed that deaths have occurred in children who have eaten as few as 12 berries. Children might also eat the leaves of holly plants. These could also contain potentially toxic chemicals. Call DPIC if ingestion occurs.  

Although this plant allegedly contains solanine, a substance found in several plants with known toxic potential, reports of toxicity are sparse. Reported signs and symptoms of solanine toxicity include dilated pupils, salivation, nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, diarrhea, respiratory depression, central nervous system depression, confusion, irregular heartbeat, coma and death. It is unclear how many cherries would have to be ingested to produce any of these symptoms. Call DPIC if ingestion occurs.

Very little is known about how poisonous this plant is to humans. The safest thing to do is call DPIC if ingestion occurs.

Some ingredients, such as salicylates in oil of wintergreen, menthol, camphor, eucalyptol, and other oils and flavorings, can be poisonous. Other products may have a high alcohol content or the potential to cause severe problems if ingested.  Call DPIC is ingestion occurs.

Dry ice is used in many ways throughout the holiday season.  Care must be taken to avoid skin contact with solid pieces of dry ice or with pieces that might be ingested. Dry ice is composed of carbon dioxide. Skin contact can cause tissue damage, and burns to the mouth can occur from ingestion.  Flush the skin with lukewarm water if direct exposure occurs, and give lukewarm water to drink if a solid piece is swallowed. Contact DPIC.

Made of thin metal, plastic, wood, glass, etc., Christmas tree ornaments are of concern for their potential to cut or block the airway if ingested. Acute ingestion of the dry paint or coloring on these objects should not pose a hazard.

These can be found in such common gift items as toys, cameras, watches and calculators. Children or adults swallowing a disc battery should be evaluated, which may include referral to an emergency department for x-ray location of the object. Further care will be dictated by the initial findings and by follow up. Problems usually only occur if the battery becomes lodged or ruptures. Contact DPIC if ingestion occurs.

Many people think that other products used during the holiday season cause poisoning, but they do not. These include angel hair, candles, Christmas cactus, Christmas trees and evergreens, garland, tinsel, icicles, and snow spray or flock.

For additional information on any of the above topics, contact the poison control center in your area by dialing 1-800-222-1222. This same number also provides TTY capability.