Halloween costume warning: wigs, fangs and plastic pieces may effect your fertility

A new council warning posted states that flammable wigs, fangs that damage fertility and untested make-up this Halloween, say Essex County Council.

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The local authority has issued awarning to parents to watch out where they buy costumes and accessories this holiday, or the results could be scarier than parents think.

“We have tested plastic teeth and found that they were well over the limit for phthalates which can cause reproductive problems in later life if used by children,” Cllr Roger Walters, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said.

“One of the issues for Trading Standards in the run up to Halloween is the purchase of costumes and plastic items such as fangs and make up, especially for children. In the past we have had problems with Halloween wigs and costumes being extremely flammable.”

Trading Standards have issued the following advice:

– Parents or guardians should ensure that if they are buying costumes or wigs that the material is not exposed to naked flames

– When buying cosmetics to use on adults or children a skin test should be undertaken at least 24 or ideally 48 hours before the event to ascertain if the person is allergic to the product

– We would advise parents or guardians not to buy soft plastic products, for instance fang like teeth, which children will put directly into their mouths as they could contain ingredients that may have long term effects in adult life

– We want to remind parents to buy from reputable shops and to be aware of the risks consumers face.