Products Tested, Cleared—

Consumer Agency

Offering Halloween Safety Tips

HARTFORD — In its ongoing inspection, review, and testing of children’s products sold in Connecticut stores, the Department of Consumer Protection has focused in recent weeks on the bounty of merchandise available for Halloween.

“While there are thousands of Halloween products on store shelves right now, we have not at this point identified anything out of the ordinary in terms of being unsafe,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, said. “Our inspectors did find several items that seemed likely candidates for lead contamination, but happily, were proved wrong this time. The items were thoroughly tested and no unsafe levels of lead were found. However, we remain extra vigilant as we now move toward the holiday shopping season.”

The tested Halloween items include:

*Rubber Skull by Seasons USA Inc, Sauquoit, NY 13456 made in China. 6# Mini Skull Asst., Made in China.

*Plastic Drinking Skeleton Drinking Cup Fun World Div. Easter Unlimited, Carle Place, NY 11514 , item # 8339. Made In China.

*Halloween Drinking Mug- Sunrise Global Inc, Sayreville, NJ 08872. Made In China.

*Halloween 3-Piece Assorted Costume Wings (includes wings, wand and headpiece and two candy sticks), distributed by Loomis International, Transfer, Penn,

When purchasing Halloween costumes and accessories, please consider the following safety tips:

*Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Check to see that costumes, wigs, and accessories have a label indicating they are flame resistant. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling, or contact with flame.

*Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, nontoxic and hypoallergenic makeup and decorative hats are a safer alternative.

*Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

*Include emergency identification (name, address, phone number) inside the costume or on a bracelet.

*Think twice before using simulated knives, pitchforks, guns, or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

*Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

*When carving pumpkins, avoid using kitchen knives. Kits are sold with tiny saws that work better then knives and are much safer.

*Battery-powered jack o’ lantern candles are safer than wax candle flames.

*Always keep jack o’ lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials, or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.

Photos of the tested items and more Halloween safety tips are available at the Department of Consumer Protection website, www.ct.gov/dcp.