HSE issues warning on Halloween dangers

The Health Service Executive (HSE) today warned people over the dangers associated with Halloween.

"No-one wants to be a killjoy. Yet tragically, every year, children end up hurt or scarred for life as a direct result of taking part in Halloween activities because of not taking simple safety precautions," the HSE said in the statement.

Dr Patricia Eadie, clinical director of the burns unit at St James's hospital and consultant plastic surgeon, said: "Fireworks are always a cause for concern. Every year we have to treat children who have significant injuries caused by varying types of Halloween activities.

"There have already been several children who have been admitted to hospital in the run up to this busy period," she added.

The HSE statement added: "Fireworks . . . are effectively illegal in Ireland with the exception of licensed displays," adding that most illegal fireworks and bangers on sale "are sub-standard and liable to cause injury".

"Halloween and often contain highly combustible materials that can cause respiratory problems and burns. Children should not attend unsupervised," the statement continued.

Parents were also advised to ensure that their children are accompanied whilst visiting houses, and to ensure costumes did not come into contact with candles.