SCARY: Halloween “killer” costume warnings for kids in Spain

A CONSUMER protection body in Spain has issued a warning about potentially lethal Halloween costumes for kids.
The group has warned that some costumes on the market may contain flammable components, small pieces that could choke and ropes and cords that could lead to strangulation.
The alert has been issued by the General Directorate for the Protection of Consumers and Users for the Government of Aragon but parents throughout the whole of Spain should be alert to the dangers.
Ros Cihuelo, general director of the group, has said parents should verify that the products have the ‘CE’ marking which he said ¨is proof that the manufacturer has taken into account all the safety conditions”.
However, he said he also wanted to make clear that parents should check for themselves that the costume has no dangerous elements and has advised avoiding putting on costumes that “have ties or ropes in the upper part of the costume to avoid strangulation.”
Also, if the costumes are for children younger than three-years-old, it is very important to avoid “small pieces that can choke”.
He said that “it must also be borne in mind that wigs, beards and other accessories may be made of flammable material and, therefore, it is not advisable for children to use them but, if they do to warn them to avoid stoves and other sources of heat¨.
In addition, he added, it is also “very important to verify that masks have holes wide enough so that the child can breathe easily”.