Don't chew those glow sticks

Wyoming’s Poison Center is reminding people about proper firework and glow stick safety over the Fourth of July weekend.

Wyoming’s Poison Center officials received 94 calls regarding glow sticks in 2012, with a large percentage of calls occurring around the Fourth of July. Glow sticks are soft and pliable, making them attractive for small children to chew on, and they can be easily broken.

The sticks contain a liquid called dibutyl phthalate, which has a very strong chemical taste and odor and can cause irritation to the mouth. Concerned parents often call because their child’s mouth is glowing or they have gotten the product in their eyes.

In 2011, poison centers across the country received more than 1,700 calls about exposures to fireworks and explosives. Of those, more than 1,400 involved children younger than 6 years old.

Fireworks contain chemicals such as potassium nitrate, white phosphorous, barium chlorate and arsenic. They are in packages that are bright and attractive to small children, and if swallowed, the chemicals in fireworks can make them sick.

Wyoming’s Poison Center offers the following tips for firework an glow stick safety:

• Glow sticks should not be repeatedly bent or chewed. Children under the age of three and pets should not be allowed to play with these products.

• Never puncture or cut a glow stick. The liquid in glow sticks can stain furniture, carpet and clothing.

• If children get some of the liquid in their mouth or eyes, there is no need to run to an emergency room. Call the Poison Center and the specialist will tell you what you need to do.

• Pets should be a safe distance away from fireworks.

• Sparklers are the fireworks that cause the most injury. If used, there should always be close adult supervision.

Wyoming’s Poison Center is free to the public and staffed by nurses and physicians assistant specialists, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, to answer all poisoning questions. Before going to an emergency room, call the poison center first at 1800-222-1222. Wyoming’s Poison Center is sponsored by the Wyoming Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services.