Are artificial Christmas trees safe?
TEXAS, USA — Artificial Christmas trees can be convenient and save you money, but are they safe? There is a post going around social media claiming they are made with toxic chemicals. Someone asked the Verify team to find out if that is true.
Are artificial Christmas trees made from PVC?
The Facebook post asks the consumer to consider the question, “Are artificial trees toxic?” It includes a claim that, “Most artificial trees are manufactured in China and made from PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and lead.” Adrienne asked the Verify team, “Are artificial Christmas trees toxic?”
What is a non toxic Christmas tree made of?
Living Christmas: Non-Toxic Christmas Tree. Most trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). There are some newer options made of polyethylene plastic (PE) that are very lifelike, and these are better options, but from a toxic chemicals standpoint, still not exactly a non-toxic Christmas tree.
Do artificial trees contain toxic lead?
Unfortunately, that pristine artificial tree could be spreading something you can’t see: toxic lead dust. Most artificial trees are manufactured in China and made from two items: PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and lead, used to stabilize PVC.
Are fake Christmas trees safe?
The exposure risk from artificial trees is smaller, but is definitely possible (2). Lead causes numerous health issues in children and adults, and there is no known safe level (3). Lastly, artificial trees have flame retardants added to them to prevent fires.
What is the least toxic artificial Christmas tree?
Polyethylene and polypropylene are safer materials than PVC. Closer to non-toxic Christmas tree options. You can reduce exposure to real tree and artificial tree toxic chemicals....Namely, the issues are:chemicals.mold.allergies.
Can artificial Christmas trees make you sick?
According to a study by Upstate Medical University, Christmas trees of all kinds, including their needles and bark, can house up to 53 different types of mold. Artificial trees can also trigger CTS because they house dust and other spores.
Do artificial trees contain lead?
Artificial trees are made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, in which lead is used as a stabilizer and softener. Research has shown that lead dust tends to leach out from fake trees over time, so if yours is more than a dozen years old, be careful.
Do all artificial Christmas trees have flame retardants?
Flame retardants are chemicals that are applied to many materials (including Christmas trees) to prevent the start or slow the growth of a fire. While many flame retardants have been taken off the market, we could find no artificial trees that didn't include flame retardants of some kind.
How toxic are PVC Christmas trees?
Artificial trees are typically made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is extremely toxic and polluting to produce, can result in exposures to harmful chemicals when used, and are toxic to dispose of. PVC is hard and rigid, so to make it soft, pliable, and moldable, softeners like lead and/or phthalates are added.
How often should I replace my artificial Christmas tree?
Most Americans plan to keep their artificial trees for ten years; however, the average usable lifespan is six years. It's a good idea to research the company and product quality before making your purchase. Artificial trees can last for years and even come with 1-10-year warranties.
What is Christmas tree syndrome?
Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.
What are artificial Christmas trees made out of?
Today, most artificial Christmas trees are made from PVC plastic. PVC trees are fire-retardant but not fire-resistant.
Are Christmas trees sprayed with pesticides?
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, eight pesticides make up 85 percent of all uses on Christmas trees: chlorothalonil, atrazine, simazine, glyphosate, hexazinone, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and dimethoate.
What is the white stuff on fake Christmas trees?
Is there anyway this can be done?” is the artificial snow that is sprayed onto Christmas trees to give the effect of a white Christmas. It is often made of cellulose, however regardless of the ingredients, it is suprisingly easy to remove, often simply pulling right off with your fingers.
Do Balsam Hill trees have flame retardants?
Balsam Hill™ Christmas trees are made from fire-retardant materials, and are less likely to be a fire risk with proper diligence and precaution.
Can artificial Christmas trees cause allergies?
Unfortunately, these storage areas are prone to dust and mold. That being said, artificial trees may also trigger allergy symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes.
Are Christmas trees sprayed with pesticides?
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, eight pesticides make up 85 percent of all uses on Christmas trees: chlorothalonil, atrazine, simazine, glyphosate, hexazinone, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and dimethoate.
What are PVC Christmas trees?
PVC Christmas Trees This material is a type of vinyl that is hard-pressed into thin paper-like pieces, then cut into fine, rectangular strips to emulate the appearance of pine needles. The strands are then twisted between two strings of wire to outline the tree branches.
Why do people buy artificial Christmas trees?
Many people buy artificial Christmas trees to avoid the mess of dropped needles spread throughout their homes. Unfortunately, that pristine artificial tree could be spreading something you can’t see: toxic lead dust.
Where are artificial trees made?
Most artificial trees are manufactured in China and made from two items: PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and lead, used to stabilize PVC. The lead in the “greens” breaks down into lead dust, which is released into the air, poisoning everyone, but especially children younger than six.
What to do if you touch a tree?
If you touch the tree, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or handling food.
Do artificial trees contain lead?
Most Americans have no idea that there is lead in artificial trees; only California mandates a lead warning label on every box containing an artificial tree. This applies to ornaments and decorations as well.
Can lead poisoning cause autism?
Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain and nervous system damage in children, as well as autism-like symptoms, ADD/ADHD, lower IQ scores, violent behavior, and seizures, among other things. If there’s a possibility lead dust is released in your home or on your property, you should have your home tested for lead by an environmental testing company.
Why do people buy artificial trees?
Every December, people flock to superstores to do the “green” thing: purchase an artificial tree in hopes of saving a few trees from being chopped down.
Do fake trees come pre-decorated?
Fake trees are reusable, cheap, and may even come pre-decorated; we get it. Consumers might think they’re saving a few dollars, but artificial trees come at a big cost for the environment and their family’s health.
Can artificial Christmas trees be recycled?
According the National Christmas Tree Association, there are over 4,000 recycling active Christmas tree recycling programs in the United States. The recycled Christmas trees can be used for mulch, bird feeders, hiking paths, and more.
Should artificial Christmas trees be kept green?
We don’t know about you, but we don’t think your Christmas tree should come with a warning label. Don’t pollute your Christmas with an artificial tree. Keep it green and keep it local this season. Visit our website for more information about real Christmas trees.
What is a fake Christmas tree made of?
Most fake Christmas trees are made from PVC, which is the most toxic type of plastic.
What is the best plastic for Christmas trees?
There are a few brands (like Basalm Hill and IKEA) that are beginning to reduce the amount of PVC in their Christmas trees by replacing it with polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). These types of plastic, although not perfect, are better than PVC.
Are Real Christmas Trees Safe?
So now that we’ve addressed artificial Christmas trees, the natural next question is: are real Christmas trees better?
How do flame retardants get into the house?
As mentioned above, one of the primary ways flame retardants and other VOCs are ingested by humans is through dust. Tiny toxic molecules drift from your Christmas tree and into the dust, where it’s then inhaled by the people and pets in your home. Regularly dusting and vacuuming your house can help with this.
What is a one two tree?
One Two Tree is an eco-friendly Christmas tree that’s handcrafted from untreated high-grade Australian hoop pine. It’s easy to assemble, kid-friendly, and can be reused year after year.
How to get off gassing from a tree?
When dealing with brand new products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins, it can help to give them an “off-gassing” period. Take your tree out of the box and let it sit outside for a few days, allowing the outdoor air to take away some of those chemicals before bringing it into your home.
Do artificial Christmas trees contain flame retardants?
On top of the plastics, most artificial Christmas trees contain added flame retardants. Although the idea of flame retardants in our household products initially sounds like a good idea, research has found that they don’t actually do much of anything in terms of stopping or slowing the spread of flames, should a fire occur.
What causes allergies to Christmas trees?
The allergies can be caused by tree sap, pollen, or terpenes. You can read more about these allergies here.
Who tests artificial Christmas trees for lead?
Tamara Rubin of Lead Safe Mama tests artificial Christmas trees for the lead with XMF equipment. It will show you the total amount of lead present in the tree. If you already own an artificial fir Christmas tree, you can find out if it is a lead-free Christmas tree by contacting Tamara Rubin. You can learn the details of her lead testing here .
What about a Living Christmas Tree?
A few years ago, we decided to get a tree from a company called The Living Christmas Tree. The idea is (wait for it) you rent a living tree. A company delivers a tree to you, places it in your home, and picks it up after the holidays, all for one not so low price. They will even save it for you for next year. That sounded like a safe Christmas tree to us. You can’t really pick out your tree, and so the tree will probably not look “perfect.” It appears that there are a lot of companies that have sprung up that do the same type of thing; check your local listings as they say.
Why did my Christmas tree lose its needles?
Later we learned that one of the reasons our rented safe Christmas tree lost its needles was that true pines need cold winters to thrive, and they do not do well in our warm homes for longer than a week.
What are Christmas trees covered with?
Chemicals: Christmas trees may be covered with pesticides and herbicides. In order to help guard against this, look for organically grown trees, or at least trees where the chemicals are sprayed around the trees as opposed to directly on them. You can find organic Christmas tree farms here.
What to wear when setting up a Christmas tree?
Wear gloves when setting it up and decorating. In this case, pre-lit Christmas trees or Christmas trees with lights can be handy.
Is an artificial Christmas tree toxic?
Can an artificial tree be a good option for a non-toxic Christmas tree ? Artificial trees are normally made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is a type of plastic made of vinyl chloride that has been classified as “carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In addition to cancer concerns, PVC can contain harmful additives to impart certain characteristics on plastic and artificial fir Christmas trees. These additives may include lead and phthalates. Lead is linked to neurotoxicity and cancer and phthalates are linked to hormone disruption and cancer ( source ).
