As Halloween approaches, you’ve probably picked out your costume and accessories.
Putting together a costume and applying eye-catching makeup such as face paint and glitter are all part of the spooky holiday.
However, experts told DailyMail.com that your costume can pose several risks, including fire hazards, skin problems and dangerous chemicals.
While costumes made from certain materials can easily catch fire, makeup can lead to acne, skin irritation and eye infections. And while glitter may be fashionable, it can cause skin rashes and has been linked to serious illnesses.
Halloween costumes can pose several risks, including skin irritation, acne, and even catching fire from 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 from materials that could cause them to burst into flames.
According to the City of Phoenix Fire Department, the most flammable costume materials are cotton, linen and silk.
Many suits are made with a mix of fabrics such as polyester, nylon, metallic, cotton and rayon.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all costumes, wigs and masks to be made of flame-resistant materials such as nylon and polyester.
However, these materials can still burn, although they are easier to extinguish, according to the CPSC.
While these materials are all used in fast fashion items today, costumes often use a unique combination of multiple flammable fabrics for different elements of a look.
The added coatings – for example metal layers or embellishments – make them even riskier.
In 2021, the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the United Kingdom tested the flammability of Halloween-themed T-shirts, capes and witch hats for children.
A video posted by the department shows two child-sized mannequins wearing pumpkin and monster Halloween-themed t-shirts, which quickly catch fire, leaving the mannequins blackened and burned.
In the video, Ian Smith, Trading Standards Supervisor, advises parents: ‘Remember to check wigs and masks and if you are making a costume, check the material you are using. Have children wear clothing under their costume for extra protection if the worst happens.”
John Smith, director of Fire Risk Assessment Network in Britain, told DailyMail.com: ‘When it comes to Halloween costumes for children, there are specific materials that can pose a higher risk of flammability.’
‘One of the main culprits are synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which are often used in costume production. These materials are highly flammable and can ignite quickly if exposed to an open flame or heat source.”
Mr Smith also said excessive decorative elements such as sequins and glitter can contain flammable materials and coatings that can easily catch fire.
‘If possible, choose costumes made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool. These materials are less likely to catch fire compared to synthetic materials,” he said.
‘Avoid loose and loose costumes: loose capes, skirts or sleeves could come into contact with open flames, candles or pumpkins. Choose costumes that fit well and avoid flashy accessories.’
Mr Smith also recommended using fake candles with torches or LED lights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire.
In addition to costumes, face paint and other cheap make-up can also pose risks.
Halloween and costume makeup tends to be thicker and more pigmented than regular makeup, which carries a greater risk of irritating the skin, she says.
It is also made with more powerful chemicals that create more dramatic effects, such as glowing in the dark.
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs, told DailyMail.com: ‘Many of these products may contain allergens, fragrances and preservatives that can irritate the skin, leading to redness, itching and even rashes, especially in those with sensitive skin . .
In a test conducted by Surrey Fire and Rescue Services in Britain, firefighters set fire to a number of clothing and accessories as part of the test, including witch hats, capes, skeleton tights and pumpkin tops.
‘Additionally, using heavy or oil-based makeup can clog pores and potentially cause acne, especially if left on for long periods of time. It is essential to advise individuals to choose makeup products labeled as ‘non-comedogenic’ to reduce the risk.”
Eye makeup in particular carries a risk of eye infections. Contaminated or low-quality eye products can lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye problems.
Glitter, which can be applied to the skin, nails or hair, may also be on the rise this Halloween. After superstar Taylor Swift was pictured wearing all red at a Kansas City Chiefs game last weekend, sales of red glitter nail polish soared 475 percent, according to data from beauty marketplace Fresha.
Glitter, like other costume makeup, can also irritate the skin and lead to itching and rashes.
It also contains microplastics, small particles that are only about five millimeters in size. It is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most widely produced synthetic plastics in the world.
Unlike regular clothing, Halloween costumes are made with a range 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 a cancer-causing material, but its components have been linked to certain cancers.
PVC contains the colorless gas vinyl chloride, a combustion material in tobacco smoke. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), vinyl chloride has been linked to an increased risk of liver, brain and lung cancer, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.
However, these effects are observed with long-term exposure and the impact of temporary skin contact remains unknown.
Experts have advised consumers to check the label of clothing and other products before purchasing them. If there is a combination of synthetic materials on the label, it may be better not to work with them.