Skip to content
Poison Control - National Capital Poison Center
Call a poison centerGet help online
Loading Theme Toggle

Holiday poison prevention

Test Image

The bottom line

Keep your children safe during travel and holiday events by following seasonal tips to stay poison safe.

The full story

No one invites poison to a holiday gathering - at least not on purpose. Check out our round-up of tips for poison-free holidays before your holidays get crazy. You might want to share these with other family members. And, while you're at it, try out webPOISONCONTROL® online so you know how to use it, and be sure that you have the poison center phone number on, near, or programmed into every phone: 1-800-222-1222.

Did we miss anything that's important to you? If you think anyone has swallowed a poison, too much medicine, a battery, too much alcohol, or bad food, use the webPOISONCONTROL® tool for guidance online, right away, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

Share This:

Rose Ann Gould Soloway, RN, BSN, MSEd, DABAT emerita
Clinical Toxicologist

Related Articles

Back to blog
  • young boy blowing snowflakes

    Safe use of artificial snow

    There are two main types of artificial snow: powders that are mixed with water and spray-on aerosols. In most small exposures, neither product type is likely to cause severe problems, but swallowing the powder or spraying the aerosol directly onto the skin or into the eyes can cause symptoms.

    Find out more
  • poinsettia

    Are poinsettias poisonous?

    The poinsettia plant is often considered deadly. That's wrong. Poinsettia can be irritating but it is not fatal if eaten. If children and pets eat it, they can develop mouth irritation and stomach upset. The sap can cause a skin rash, too.

    Find out more
  • mistletoe

    Is mistletoe poisonous?

    Until recent studies were published, the American mistletoe genus, Phoradendron, was widely considered to be extremely poisonous. Swallowing American mistletoe can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset but is not likely to cause serious poisoning if small amounts are unintentionally swallowed.

    Find out more
  • holly

    Not just the berries: Be wary of holly leaves and roots

    The leaves of the holly (Ilex spp) are dark green and stiff with sharp spines. The root is large and grows straight down. The leaf spine can lacerate the mouth, throat, and skin. Holly contains poisonous substances that cause abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea and sometimes dehydration when ingested. Mild symptoms require no specific treatment other than remaining hydrated.

    Find out more
  • Two people on plane

    Travel safely: Tips for the holiday season

    Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house - or maybe on a cruise - or perhaps to a hotel in a new city or a foreign country? Wherever your destination for the holidays, by automobile, plane, ship, or sleigh, a little planning will help keep holiday travel safe and enjoyable.

    Find out more