Written by: Brian Pryor

Tucson--Three cases of small children in Arizona who suffered severe breathing problems after handling liquid candles during Halloween and Thanksgiving were reported to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center last year, prompting the center to remind parents again this season to keep these decorations out of the reach of youngsters.

In 2008, at least three Arizona toddlers were hospitalized because the oil in the candles got into their lungs, says Keith Boesen, interim managing director of the poison center at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. The families had used the candles in jack-o'-lanterns and other holiday decorations.

"Several brands of liquid candles can be found at local stores or online retailers," Boesen says. "They are glass or plastic jars filled with flammable hydrocarbon oil and a burnable wick. If a child puts the candle to his mouth, or even puts his hands to his mouth after touching the top of the unlit candle, there is a real danger the oil will slip into the child's lungs and cause serious problems."

Boesen says the oil in the candle can get into the child's lungs without stimulating the normal gag reflex, so a parent may not know right away the youngster has swallowed something toxic. Sometimes there will be immediate coughing or choking, but not always. It may take several hours for respiratory symptoms to occur.

"Some of these liquid candles are packaged in a manner that resembles the top of a baby bottle, which can make them even more interesting to a toddler," Boesen says. "Even a small taste of the liquid is enough to send a child to the hospital."

If you suspect your child has been exposed to oil from a liquid candle, call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.