Eight in ten children’s Halloween costumes sold online are dangerous and could even kill, a shocking Government report reveals.
The suits failed basic safety tests because they were made of flammable material or featured hazards such as cords and drawstrings that could strangle them.
The Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) tested 128 costumes intended for children under seven and issued a stern warning to parents ahead of Halloween.
The watchdog bought costumes from a variety of online marketplaces and found many lacked proper labeling and 98 did not provide safety information.
They warn that labeling, which includes clear instructions and safety information, is critical to ensuring parents are aware of potential dangers.
Adrian Simpson of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said BBC Radio Five Live on Friday that he was “shocked” by how unsafe some of the products were.
“There are many responsible retailers who are working hard to find safe products,” he added.
“That’s why we’re surprised that there is such a high level of unsafe Halloween costumes.
More than 80 percent of costumes sold online failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and cord strangulation.
The Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) tested 128 products aimed at children under seven years old
He explained that concerned parents should look for the UKCA or CE mark on the label of any costume.
These marks are the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with applicable safety standards and regulations.
Each product should also have a fire safety warning and list the manufacturer’s details in case you need to contact them.
OPSS has taken steps to remove all non-compliant costumes from sale on online platforms.
However, they still urge the public to only purchase costumes from trusted sources and to use caution around fires, particularly open flames, on Halloween.
Parents are also advised to check for head and neck cords or long cords and other strangulation hazards.
OPSS chief executive Graham Russell said: “Costumes can be a fun part of Halloween, but our testing shows that many costumes on sale, particularly those sold online, pose serious risks to young children.” Please be very careful before purchasing.’
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.
OPSS advises parents to check the label of Halloween costumes and look for a UKCA or CE certification mark to ensure they have been tested and are safe for children to wear.
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 kids wear clothing under the costume for added protection in case the worst happens.”
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which are commonly used in costume production, are highly flammable and can ignite quickly if exposed to an open flame or heat source.
However, safety experts say that natural fibers such as cotton and wool are less likely to catch fire, compared to synthetic ones.
The dangers of Halloween costumes hit the headlines in 2014 when Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter suffered second-degree burns on her legs.
Winkleman’s daughter Matilda, who was eight years old at the time, suffered severe burns after her Halloween costume touched a flame while trick-or-treating and quickly ignited.