EXCLUSIVE: Dangers of your Halloween costume revealed – Doctors warn about flammable death trap costumes, itchy glitter and acne-causing face paint

As Halloween approaches, you’ve probably picked out your costume and accessories.

Putting together a costume and applying flashy makeup like face paint and glitter are part of the spooky holiday.

However, experts told DailyMail.com that your costume could pose several risks, including fire hazards, skin problems and dangerous chemicals.

While costumes made from certain materials can easily catch fire, makeup can cause acne breakouts, skin irritation, and eye infections. And while glitter is trendy, it can cause skin rashes and has been linked to serious illnesses.

Halloween costumes can pose several risks, including skin irritation, acne, and even fire due to flammable materials

Children across the country are expected to dress up and trick-or-treat for Halloween on October 31st

Fire safety experts warn 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 costumes are made from a mix of fabrics such as polyester, nylon, metallic, cotton and viscose.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all costumes, wigs and masks to be made from flame-retardant materials such as nylon and polyester.

However, according to the CPSC, these materials can still burn, although they are easier to extinguish.

While these materials are all used in fast fashion items today, costumes typically use a unique combination of multiple flammable fabrics for different elements of a look.

The added coatings – for example metallic layers or decorations – make them even more risky.

In 2021, the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the United Kingdom tested the flammability of children’s Halloween t-shirts, capes and witch hats.

A video released by the department shows two child-sized mannequins wearing Halloween T-shirts with pumpkins and monsters quickly catching fire, leaving the mannequins blackened and burned.

In the video, Trading Standards Supervisor Ian Smith advised parents: “Remember to check wigs and masks, and if you want to make a costume, check the material you use.” Teach children to accommodate clothing to wear with your costume to provide additional protection in the worst case scenario.”

John Smith, director of the Fire Risk Assessment Network in the UK, told DailyMail.com: “When it comes to children’s Halloween costumes, there are certain materials that may pose a higher risk of flammability.”

“One of the main culprits are synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which are commonly used in costume making.” “These materials are highly flammable and can ignite quickly when 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 plastics,” he said.

“Avoid baggy and flowing costumes: Flowing capes, skirts or sleeves can come into contact with open fires, candles or pumpkins. Choose costumes that fit well and avoid dangling accessories.”

Mr Smith also recommended using artificial candles with flashlights or LED lights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire.

In addition to costumes, face paint and other cheap makeup can also pose risks.

Halloween and costume makeup is typically thicker and more pigmented than regular makeup, which poses a higher risk of skin irritation, she says.

It is also made up of more potent chemicals that provide more dramatic effects, such as: B. glowing in the dark.

Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, a dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs, told DailyMail.com: “Many of these products may contain allergens, fragrances and preservatives that can irritate the skin and cause redness, itching and even rashes, especially in those with sensitive skin.”

In a test conducted by Surrey Fire and Rescue Services in the United Kingdom, firefighters set fire to a range of clothing and accessories, including witch hats, capes, skeleton tights and pumpkin tops, as part of the test

“In addition, using heavy makeup or oil-based makeup can clog pores and potentially trigger acne breakouts, especially if applied for a long period of time.” It is important to advise individuals to avoid makeup products Choose products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” to reduce the risk.

Eye make-up in particular poses a risk of eye infections. Contaminated or substandard eye products can lead to conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis) and other eye problems.

Glitter, which can be applied to the skin, nails or hair, is also likely to 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 increased 475 percent, according to data from beauty marketplace Fresha.

Glitter, similar to other costume makeup, can also irritate the skin and cause itching and rashes.

It also contains microplastics, small particles only about five millimeters in size. It is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most commonly produced synthetic plastics in the world.

Unlike regular clothing, Halloween costumes are made from a variety of flammable materials and embellishments

PVC is used in window frames, drain pipes, paint, food containers and clothing such as rain boots. PVC itself is not a carcinogen or cancer-causing material, but its components have been linked to certain types of cancer.

PVC contains the colorless gas vinyl chloride, which is a combustible in tobacco smoke. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), vinyl chloride has been linked to an increased risk of liver, brain and lung cancers, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.

However, these effects occur with long-term exposure and the effects of temporary skin contact are not yet known.

Experts advise consumers to check the label of clothing and other products before purchasing. If the label lists a combination of synthetic materials, it may be better to stay away.