Halloween is a super fun holiday for a lot of people. I know I’m looking forward to seeing all the little kids in their outfits this year!
I wanted to warn parents, however, about a couple products that may have potentially harmful chemicals. Kids these days are surrounded by more chemicals than we were at that age, so if you can provide safer options, why not?
The good news is that there are safer products out there. In other words, you don’t have to give up the fun-just make smarter choices!
Face Paint: It’s a great alternative for kids, as it doesn’t obscure their vision like a mask does, but did you know that regular face paint can contain dangerous metals that can cause skin sensitivity and even brain damage? The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 10 of them and found that all contained lead, and six had nickel, cobalt, or chromium at levels exceeding industry safety guidelines. Remember that the skin can and does absorb some of the things it comes into contact with, particularly if that product stays on the skin for an extended length of time.
Fortunately, there are better alternatives. You just have to look for them. Luna Organics and Terra Firma Cosmetics sell makeup and face paint that’s made of non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials. You can also make your own with these do-it-yourself face paint recipes provided by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. If your child is prone to allergies, make sure you test any type of paint on a small patch of skin before using it on the face.
Masks and costumes: Masks can be potentially dangerous for many reasons. The most common is that they obscure vision. If your kids are out trick-or-treating, they may not be able to see an oncoming car. Did you know that car-pedestrian collisions are the biggest danger for kids on this holiday? We all worry about poisoned candy, but the real danger is on the street.
Masks and costumes can also be made of potentially toxic materials like plastics (which may contain phthalates), flame-retardant materials, lead, and other toxins. Costume jewelry often contains cadmium and lead. Fortunately, there are options. You can find costumes made with non-toxic materials like organic cotton, wool, silk, or hemp. A couple places to look: Sarah’s Silks, Radical Thread Co., and Magic Cabin. For more ideas, try EcoFabulous’ guide to Halloween costumes, or Martha Stewart’s homemade Halloween costumes.
Treats: Of course, we have to talk about all that sugar! Halloween and candy just seem to go together, but realize that hospitals see more kids for bellyaches on this holiday than any other. If your kids come home with a bucket full of treats, help them to store most of it in a fun container for later so they won’t overindulge. Better yet, feed them a good dinner before they go out so they’re not overly hungry for treats.
What if you want to give out healthier stuff to the kids who come to your door? Try animal cookies, small boxes of raisins, dark chocolate pieces, yogurt-covered pretzels, and chocolate-dipped fruits.
With a few careful choices, you can enjoy a fun and non-toxic Halloween this year!
How do you reduce your toxic exposure on Halloween? Share your tips.
