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Show Halloween masks hazardous Halloween masks can be a safety hazard, warns the Utah Cytometric Cytom-etric Association. According to Dr. K. Monson, president of the organization, masks can slip out of place or have such small eye holes they block a child's view of approaching cars, objects on the ground, steps, curbs and holes in lawns or streets. "A safe alternative to masks is to use a non-allergic non-allergic make-up to disguise dis-guise your child for Halloween fun," Dr. Monson said. He added that the make-up should be applied by an adult to avoid accidents with make-up applicators. The Utah optometrist optome-trist pointed out that some simple costume decorating tricks can help protect children from accidental injury by making them safely visible to drivers. "Adding retro-reflective material to a costume is the easiest and best way to increase its visibility to a safe level," said Dr. Monson. According to optometric studies, the material makes pedestrians pedes-trians safely visible to drivers traveling even at the excessive speeds of 70 and 80 miles per hour. "Retro-reflective material can be purchased pur-chased in iron-on, sew-on sew-on and stick-on varie ties in most hardware and department stores. It should be applied to the front, sides and back of the costume," Dr. Monson said. The optometrist also reminded parents to have their child's eyes examined regularly. "Poor vision can be a handicap, not only at Halloween but throughout the year." Halloween is a fun and exciting time for children, but makes this year's celebration safe by adequately marking their costumes with proper reflective tape, and remember not to allow them to use masks which will interfere inter-fere with correct vision and a safe "trick or treat" event. |