Vale of Glamorgan Council trading standards officers are currently out and about checking the safety of Halloween products for sale on the high street.
Officers are looking at make-up, masks, capes, costumes, decorations and other novelty goods which have the potential to cause harm to both children and adults. In recent years, the team has uncovered novelty torches that burn hands, flammable spider webs and face paints containing heavy metals such as lead.
Every year children and adults around the UK are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable fur and hair on Halloween costumes. Plastic capes are also a risk and even home-made costumes containing crepe paper, bin bags or sheets may be hazardous.
For a safe and happy Halloween, parents are strongly advised to:
- Only allow children access to toy axes, swords and other costume accessories, under strict supervision, and never give children products that are marked for adult use only.
- Always look for the CE Safety Mark when purchasing such items.
- Ensure that costumes and accessories are flame retardant and use common sense when creating home made costumes.
To report a dangerous toy or other product please contact Trading Standards on 01446 709105 or email [email protected].
