Considering a ‘foam party’ in the weekend plans? Foam parties feature soapy foam distributed from blowers or fans onto a dance floor. The foam can accumulate several feet and may lead to more than just frothy fun! In fact, foam parties are known for their risk of a number of health and safety issues including:

• Eye injuries, ranging from mild redness and irritation to corneal burns or abrasions, which can impair vision for many days.
• Skin irritation or rash.
• Injury from objects hidden by the foam.
• Falling due to the slippery dance floor.
• Electric shock.
• High-risk behaviors, such as drug use, or unwanted physical contact may be more likely due to decreased visibility caused by the foam.

If you plan to attend a foam party, try these tips to minimize your risk of injury:

• Wearing goggles while in the foam.
• Limiting time spent in the foam and taking frequent breaks out of the foam area.
• Avoiding standing directly under or near the blower where foam is being produced.
• Rinsing the face and eyes with clean water frequently.
• Avoiding foam exposure to the face and eyes in particular.
• Exiting the foam area if the foam accumulates above the waist.
• Avoiding rubbing eyes if burning or irritated. Instead, be sure to rinse with clean water.

If you get injured during a foam party and require immediate medical attention, please call 911 or go to a local emergency room. If you believe you are experiencing reactions related to the foam, such as skin or eye irritation, please call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.