Bubble Lights - The Hazards of Nostalgia

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Decorating our homes for the holidays is a much-loved ritual. Often, we retrieve heirloom pieces passed down through generations to remind us of our traditions at this time of year. It is important to remember, however, that safety standards have changed vastly over the past century. Some of our familiar holiday mementos could actually be dangerous.

Since the advent of electric lights, few people place lighted candles on Christmas trees, a common practice in prior centuries. But, some of us might be tempted to pull out those old bubble lights that were popular in the 1950s through the 1970s. (In fact, bubble lights are so popular that new bubble lights now are available.) Their "candle" shape, liquid movement under the glass, and bright colors make them attractive and appealing, especially to young children.

Underneath their joyful appearance, there lurks a hidden hazard. The fluid inside old or new bubble lights most frequently is methylene chloride. Methylene chloride can cause serious poisoning if it is inhaled, swallowed, or spilled on the skin. In the body, methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide. The symptoms are the same as from other sources of carbon monoxide: nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, coma, seizures, heart attack, and even death.

Also, many of these antiques have become fragile with age. They can break very easily in the hands of active children.  (Cuts from broken glass are a common holiday injury.) Fortunately, the amount of fluid in a single bulb is very small and usually not enough to cause serious poisoning. However, it is important for parents to remain vigilant and discourage children from playing with these lights.

Poison Control is here to help 24 hours a day, holidays included. If someone breaks a bubble light or you suspect a poisoning from other holiday decorations, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Nicole Reid, RN, BSN, MEd
Certified Specialist in Poison Information