Halloween Treats Can Hide Tricks: Oklahoma Poison Center Shares Safety Tips

Published: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – As Oklahoma families prepare for Halloween, the Oklahoma Poison Center is reminding parents and caregivers that some common holiday treats, toys and household products can pose unexpected risks, especially to young children.

From January 1, 2026, to October 8, 2026, the Oklahoma Poison Center received 214 calls involving accidents with toys among children ages 5 and younger. Squishy toys accounted for 40.5% of these accidents.

Glow sticks and glow jewelry are another frequent source of calls during the Halloween season. In 2025, the Oklahoma Poison Center received 109 calls involving glow sticks. Of those, 64% involved children ages 5 and younger, while 25% involved children ages 6 to 12.

Button batteries can pose a serious danger if swallowed. If a battery becomes stuck in the throat, it can cause severe, life-threatening burns in as little as two hours. If there is any possibility that someone swallowed a button battery, get help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

“Poisoning can happen to anyone, but young children can be particularly vulnerable when it comes to items that look like toys or candy,” said Victoria Macdonald, Pharm.D., managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Center. “This becomes evident around holidays like Halloween. The Poison Center is available to help everyone have a fun, and most importantly safe, holiday.”

Hidden Halloween Dangers

Glow Sticks and Glow Jewelry: If bitten or broken open, the liquid inside can irritate the mouth, skin or eyes and may cause an upset stomach if swallowed.
Marijuana Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, baked goods and other products containing THC can look similar to regular candy and snacks. Children who eat these products can become very sick.
Button Batteries: Small toys, light-up accessories and decorations may contain button batteries. If swallowed, a button battery can become stuck in the throat and cause severe, life-threatening burns in as little as two hours.
Squishy Toys: Small toys and pieces can be choking hazards for young children. If swallowed, they may cause an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. In some cases, swallowed pieces may become stuck and cause a blockage.
Medications and Supplements: Pills, gummy vitamins and chewable medications may look like candy to a child. Keep all medications and supplements safely stored where children cannot see or reach them.

Tips to Keep Halloween Safe

Check treats and toys: Look through children’s Halloween bags before they dig in. Throw away anything that is open, damaged or suspicious, and make sure toys are appropriate for the child’s age.
Check for button batteries: Look at toys, light-up accessories and decorations for button or coin batteries. Make sure battery compartments are securely closed, and keep loose and spare batteries locked away from children.
Lock up products meant for adults: Keep marijuana products, nicotine products, alcohol and medications locked up and out of children’s sight and reach.
Teach children to ask first: Remind children to check with a trusted adult before eating unfamiliar candy, treats or other items.

If Something Happens, Don’t Wait

If you think a child has swallowed a toy, medication, marijuana product, glow-stick liquid or another potentially harmful substance, call the Oklahoma Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, having a seizure or experiencing another life-threatening emergency.

The Oklahoma Poison Center is available 24/7 and has specially trained pharmacists and nurses ready and available to answer your call.

For more information on poison prevention, visit oklahomapoison.org.

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About the Oklahoma Poison Center

Oklahoma Poison Center is dedicated to providing expert advice and support in cases of poisoning and exposure to harmful substances. Our mission is to prevent poisonings and reduce their impact through education, prevention, and providing emergency treatment recommendations. The Oklahoma Poison Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.

About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university with campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and healthcare needs of the state, region and nation. In Oklahoma City, the OU Harold Hamm Health Campus is one of the nation’s few academic health centers with seven health profession colleges located on the same campus. The OU Harold Hamm Health Campus serves approximately 4,000 students in more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs spanning Oklahoma City and Tulsa and is the leading research institution in Oklahoma. For more information about the OU Harold Hamm Health Campus, visit www.ouhsc.edu.

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