PARENTS are being warned about the dangers of Halloween sparklers – with a leading expert saying that they can result in hand amputations.
Consultant plastic surgeon Dr Ann McKenna, from Bons Secours Hospital in Cork, said that there is “at least one or two children” who require partial or total hand amputations as a result of sparklers.
While many sparklers are considered low-risk, Ms McKenna warned that there is still significant dangers if children are not well supervised.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, she said: “As the wire is melting, it reaches a temperature of 1,000-1,600 degrees centigrade.
“These are quite magical as we’re looking at them, but as the sparkler is going lower and lower, small children don’t realise the danger it is and they don’t let go.
“As a result, they sustain a catastrophic burn to their hands, which unfortunately can result in partial or total hand amputations.
As well as the risk of hand burns, Ms McKenna said sparklers can also set some Halloween costumes on fire.
She said: “We’ve also seen flame burns coming into the burn unit each year. They’re really deadly.
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“Halloween is just a hazard zone for children to be burned. It’s quite bothersome for plastic surgeons in particular around this time of year.”
Meanwhile, opticians have also warned about the dangers of using spooky eye accessories.
Experts from Specsavers say that novelty coloured lenses are becoming increasingly popular and can cause damage if used incorrectly.
Kerril Hickey, Chairman of Specsavers Ireland, said: “Halloween contact lenses have become a popular choice the last few years, however, consumers are often not aware of the risks associated with misusing contact lenses.
“In particular, if a wearer hasn’t had a proper consultation with an optometrist beforehand, they probably haven’t been taught how to wear or care for their lenses correctly.
“The results can be nasty and range from mildly irritating complications, such as blurry vision and conjunctivitis, to potentially sight-threatening conditions, such as fungal infections like microbial keratitis.”
Industry body, the Association of Optometrists Ireland, is working to drive out the unregulated sale of coloured contact lenses across Ireland to reduce the associated dangers of using unregulated colour contact lenses.
Mr Hickey added: “If you do start to notice any discomfort, irritation or pain during or after wearing Halloween contact lenses, it is important that you visit your optometrist immediately.
“Most of our stores offer eye health clinics where you can receive treatment for a range of minor eye conditions without needing to visit your GP or hospital.”