Oct 30, 2009 11:59 am US/Eastern
Fireproofing Your Child's Halloween Costume
BOSTON (CBS) ―
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Just because a Halloween costume meets federal flammability standards, doesn't mean the costume won't burn. But there's another possible danger that many parents might not know about - fire.
CBS
As kids head out for Halloween this weekend, parents worry about their safety—things like unwrapped candy or crossing a busy street in the dark.
But there's another possible danger that many parents might not know about - fire, reports CBS station WBZ-TV.
Joella Smyth found out the hard way. It was Halloween 2000, and her daughter Zoe was dressed up as a princess.
"We had lit the luminaries and jack-o-lanterns, and everybody was dressed you up in their costumes and I said, 'Oh, I have to get your picture,'" says Smyth.
Seconds later, Zoe's costume was on fire after it came too close to a candle.
"All I remember is looking out and seeing a flame to a ball of fire. It was so fast that by the time I got to her, she was engulfed," says Smyth.
Zoe suffered second and third degree burns. Her costume had melted into the sweatpants she was wearing and into her skin.
"I did not have any warning labels, nothing that could have warned me that it was going to be flammable," says Smyth.
Halloween costumes must meet federal flammability standards, but that doesn't mean they won't burn.
A product safety tester from Underwriters Laboratories set several costumes on fire.
A pumpkin costume made out of polyester was slow to burn and the flames self-extinguished several times.
It was also difficult getting a flame to catch on a skeleton costume, but eventually the plastic part did burn.
A princess costume ignited right away and in just 42 seconds was engulfed in flames.
"The construction of this costume is different than the others. It's more frilly, it's the synthetic material," says tester John Drengenberg.
Parents looking to keep their kids safe may be confused. An army uniform came in a package that said "flame retardant," but when it was set on fire it burned.
Parents need to understand that flame retardant does not mean fireproof. "That is a real important point. It will probably burn a little slower than if it wasn't flame retardant," says Drengenberg.
The costume Zoe Smyth was wearing was eventually recalled by the government.
Parents should urge their children to stay clear of candles, like the ones that will be burning in pumpkins on Halloween, especially if they are wearing long, loose, or billowy costumes.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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