As Halloween approaches, you’ve probably already chosen your costume and accessories.
Putting together a costume and putting on flashy makeup, like face paint and glitter, are all parts of this spooky holiday.
However, experts told DailyMail.com that her costume could pose several risks, including fire risks, skin problems and dangerous chemicals.
While costumes made from certain materials can catch fire easily, makeup can cause acne breakouts, skin irritation, and eye infections. And while glitter may be trendy, it could cause skin rashes and has been linked to serious illnesses.
Halloween costumes can pose several risks, including skin irritation, acne, and even catching fire due to flammable materials.
Children across the country are expected to dress up and go trick-or-treating on Halloween on October 31.
Fire safety experts have warned that children’s Halloween costumes could be made of materials that cause them to catch fire.
According to the City of Phoenix Fire Department, the most flammable clothing materials are cotton, linen and silk.
Many costumes are made from a blend of fabrics such as polyester, nylon, metallic, cotton, and rayon.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires that all costumes, wigs, and masks must be made of flame-resistant materials, such as nylon and polyester.
However, these materials can still burn, although they will be easier to extinguish, according to the CPSC.
While all of these materials are used in fast fashion items today, costumes tend to use a unique combination of multiple flammable fabrics for different elements of a look.
Added coatings (for example, metallic layers or decorations) make them even more risky.
In 2021, the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the United Kingdom tested the flammability of Halloween-themed children’s t-shirts, capes, and witch hats.
A video released by the department shows two child-sized mannequins wearing Halloween-themed T-shirts of pumpkins and monsters quickly catch fire, leaving the mannequins blackened and burned.
In the video, Ian Smith, Trading Standards Supervisor, advises parents: ‘Remember to check wigs, masks and if you are making a costume, check the material you are using. Have children wear clothing under the costume for added protection in case the worst happens.’
John Smith, director of the Fire Risk Assessment Network in the UK, told DailyMail.com: “When it comes to children’s Halloween costumes, there are specific materials that may present a higher risk of flammability.”
‘One of the main culprits is synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which are commonly used in costume production. These materials are highly flammable and can ignite quickly if exposed to an open flame or heat source.’
Smith also said that excess decorative elements like sequins and glitter can contain flammable materials and coatings that can easily catch fire.
‘If possible, choose suits made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool. “These materials are less likely to ignite than synthetic ones,” he stated.
‘Avoid loose, loose costumes: Loose capes, skirts or sleeves can come into contact with flames, candles or pumpkins. Opt for costumes that fit well and avoid dragging accessories around.
Smith also recommended using fake candles with flashlights or LED lights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fires.
In addition to costumes, face paint and other cheap makeup can also pose risks.
Halloween and costume makeup is often thicker and more pigmented than regular makeup, which carries a higher risk of irritating the skin, she says.
It is also made with stronger chemicals that provide more dramatic effects, such as glowing in the dark.
Dr Ahmad Chaudhry, dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs, told DailyMail.com: “Many of these products can contain allergens, fragrances and preservatives which can irritate the skin and cause redness, itching and even rashes, especially in people with sensitive skin. “. .
In a test conducted by Surrey Fire and Rescue Services in the United Kingdom, firefighters set fire to various clothing and accessories as part of the test, including witch hats, capes, skeleton tights, and pumpkin blouses.
‘In addition, wearing heavy or oil-based makeup can clog pores and potentially trigger acne breakouts, especially if left on for long periods. It is essential to advise people to choose makeup products labeled “non-comedogenic” to reduce the risk.
Eye makeup, in particular, poses a risk of eye infections. Contaminated or low-quality eye products can cause conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis) and other eye problems.
Glitter, which can be applied to skin, nails or hair, may also be on the rise this Halloween.
After superstar Taylor Swift was photographed dressed all in red at a Kansas City Chiefs game last weekend, sales of red glitter nail polish soared by 475 percent, according to beauty market data Fresha.
Glitter, similar to other costume makeup, can also irritate the skin and cause itching and rashes.
It also contains microplastics, small particles that measure only about five millimeters. It is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most produced synthetic plastics in the world.
Unlike regular clothing, Halloween costumes are made with a variety of different flammable materials and decorations.
PVC is used in window frames, drain pipes, paint, food containers, and clothing such as rain boots. PVC itself is not a carcinogen or cancer-causing material, but its components have been linked to certain types of cancer.
PVC contains the colorless gas vinyl chloride, which is a combustion material in tobacco smoke. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), vinyl chloride has been associated with an increased risk of liver, brain, and lung cancer, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.
However, these effects are seen with prolonged exposure and the impact of temporary skin contact is unknown.
Experts have advised consumers to check the label on clothing and other products before purchasing them; If a combination of synthetic materials is listed on the label, it may be best to stay away.
