By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS, POISONOUS PLANTS AMONG HOLIDAY HAZARDS

Question: Every year I hear about tragedies during the Christmas season. Do you have any advice to improve holiday safety?

Answer: Many of the traditional items that we bring into our homes to spread Holiday cheer can turn into health hazards if they're not properly used. Christmas trees, both real and artificial, as well as lights and tinsel can all potentially become health hazards.

Fire safety should be a major concern if you have a tree. When you bring your tree into the house, it should immediately be placed in a stand that's filled with water to slow the rate at which the tree dries out. Also, be sure to check the water level daily. And please, never use lighted candles as tree decorations.

If you have small children in your home, don't use ornaments that are breakable or look like they would be good to eat. In addition, make sure that the tree is securely supported in its stand so that it can withstand being bumped without falling over. Remember, even if you don't have small children as permanent residents in your home, you may have them as guests at holiday time.

Lights may be safely used on plastic and real trees, but purchase only U.L.-approved sets. Before hanging the lights, plug them in and watch for smoke or defective parts. Bulbs that don't light might be loose or burned out, or there may be a problem with the wiring itself. Be extra safe, and always unplug the lights before making repairs. I'd suggest that you also discard light sets with cracked or loose plugs or sockets. To save electricity and to minimize the risk of a fire, shut off the tree lights when you go to bed or leave home.

Use extension cords sparingly, and beware of overloading outlets with multiple plugs. Most hardware and discount stores carry extension cords which have multiple outlets and a built-in circuit breaker. This type of extension cord is a good choice if you must use one. Also, keep tinsel away from light sockets and keep wires out of the water pan.

In addition to the health risks posed by these things, there are several poisonous house plants that are common at this time of year. Mistletoe is one of these poisonous house plants.

Mistletoe, along with a number of other common houseplants, contains toxic substances that are capable of making a person of any age feel very sick. The white berries of mistletoe contain a substance that can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. If enough of these berries are eaten, the person may also experience elevated blood pressure.

Though not as dangerous as once believed, poinsettia plants can irritate the mouth and cause a stomach ache. A milky sap within the poinsettia leaves is the offending substance. The attractive red berries of Christmas holly may also cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea if several are swallowed.

Fortunately, eating a poison plant leaf or berry will usually make a child so sick that he or she will have no desire to eat more. To prevent a plant poisoning at your house, though, I'd recommend you keep all poisonous house plants out of the reach of small children. If you have any doubt about a particular plant, talk with your family physician or a knowledgeable sales person at your favorite plant store.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.