The Illinois Poison Center is reminding parents and caregivers to watch for accidental poisoning risks this Halloween, including those tied to dry ice, glow sticks, cosmetics and occasionally candy.

In 2025, the center managed 4,073 exposures to cosmetics, 228 exposures to glow stick products and 13 exposures to dry ice, according to the release. Most calls involving cosmetics and glow sticks were for children 5 and under, while most dry ice exposures were adults.

"Halloween is a fun, exciting tradition for families, but this fall favorite can pose unexpected poison risks," said IPC Medical Director Ben Weigel, MD. "To help ensure a safe night out, IPC encourages families to check their child's candy, use non-toxic makeup, and practice extreme caution with dry ice and glow sticks."

IPC Medical Director Neeraj Chhabra, MD, MSCR, FACMT, warned that THC products can resemble candy. "It is important to keep all medications and THC products locked up and stored up and away from food, treats and children," he said. "Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure families prevent harmful exposures and enjoy a safe Halloween."

Candy

  • Inspect your child's candy after trick-or-treating.
  • Discard candy with torn packages, holes or opened wrapping.
  • Discard expired items or anything questionable.
  • Check labels to ensure your child isn't allergic to any ingredients.
  • Do not allow children to eat home-baked goods they may have received.
  • For small children, remove choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

Celebrations

  • Remind children not to chew on or break open glow sticks or other glow-in-the-dark products.
  • If glow stick substance contacts the skin or mouth, wash it off immediately.
  • If it gets in the eye, or if more than mild skin or oral irritation occurs, call the IPC for treatment recommendations.
  • Keep alcohol and THC products away from children, and keep opened containers and unfinished beverages out of reach.

Dry Ice

  • Wear protective clothing, such as appropriate gloves, when handling dry ice, as skin exposure and ingestion can cause significant damage.
  • Dry ice can cause burns similar to frostbite, so do not place it directly in a punch bowl or drinking cups.
  • Call the IPC if a skin burn from dry ice is suspected.
  • Do not use dry ice in an unventilated area, as it produces carbon dioxide gas. Store it in an insulated container, not in the freezer.

Costumes and Cosmetics

  • Use face paint or makeup labeled non-toxic, and avoid products containing talc or hydrocarbons, which can be dangerous if ingested by young children.
  • Test makeup on a small area of skin first, preferably the arm, before applying it to the face.
  • Remove makeup before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
  • Throw out makeup that has expired or has a bad smell, which could signal bacterial contamination.
  • Do not use products on the face or body that aren't intended for skin.

About the center

The Illinois Poison Center, operated by the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, is a nonprofit health service offering treatment advice on potentially harmful substances through a free, confidential, 24-hour helpline at 1-800-222-1222, staffed by trained physicians, nurses and pharmacists. The center has provided poison prevention and treatment services since 1953.