Over 80% UK Children’s Halloween Costumes Fail Safety Standards, Raising Fire and Strangulation Risks

Halloween costumes for children pose significant safety risks, with reports showing that approximately 20% to over 80% of costumes tested fail to meet basic safety standards, including flammability and strangulation hazards. Safety experts warn parents to check for three critical labels on costumes: the UKCA or CE marking, indicating compliance with safety regulations, and the EN71 code, which relates to flammability standards. Costumes made from synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester and those with glitter should be avoided as they are more flammable, and parents are advised to purchase from reputable sellers, especially when buying online. Additionally, decorations and costume accessories containing button batteries have raised serious safety concerns due to the risk of children swallowing them, which can cause severe injuries or death; only a small fraction of such items meet safety standards. Parents are encouraged to perform simple safety checks, such as the "drop test" for battery compartments and adding reflective tape to costumes for visibility during trick-or-treating. Overall, vigilance in selecting costumes and Halloween products is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe celebration.