Why is there lead in Christmas lights?
Manufacturers say lead is part of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation around the wiring on Christmas lights. They also say lead is legally used to stabilize PVC so it doesnt crack or crumble with age. Lead also acts as a fire retardant.
Do Christmas light cords contain lead?
It's also important to take appropriate precautions to help minimize exposure to lead. The trace amounts of lead found in Christmas light cords are used to help prevent cracking of the insulation that protects electrical wires.
Are your Christmas lights safe?
There's no need to stop enjoying your Christmas lights. Just as there's no need to stop drinking water, trash your miniblinds, or discard every piece of electrical equipment that you own. Lead is a dangerous element. It can cause significant health problems. And multiple sources abound in the home.
What brand of light has the most surface lead?
• Wal-Marts brand of lights contained the highest levels of surface lead -- ranging from 86.6 to 132.7 micrograms. • GEs lights had surface lead levels from 68 to 109.1 micrograms. • Sylvanias lights had surface lead levels from 59 to 70.3 micrograms.
Can you get lead poisoning from Christmas lights?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission insists Christmas lights do not pose an elevated danger of lead exposure to children.
Are LED Christmas lights toxic?
But are they any less toxic? Well, it just depends! Since it's what the wires are wrapped in that really matters here, LED lights aren't inherently any less toxic. However, most of the lead-free light brands we found are indeed LED.
Are fairy lights lead free?
Christmas light wires are coated in PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in order to protect from the wires used in lights. The PVC used has high levels of lead. Through heat and sunlight, this lead is made into a dust that fills the air and is tracked around your home.
Why are Christmas lights toxic?
Christmas decorations and lights. Yes, all those beautiful tree ornaments, the decorations, and even that snarl of lights you drag out of storage once a year have the potential to contain toxic substances. The most common reason: They can contain lead.
Should you wash your hands after handling Christmas lights?
That's why the American Cancer Society recommends simply washing your hands after handling Christmas light cords, or any other type of cord for that matter, to avoid ingesting any lead that may have rubbed off on your hands.
What chemicals are in Christmas lights?
The Chemistry of Christmas LightsWiring. Copper.Plastic covering the wire. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)C₂H₃Cl.Filament. Tungsten.Case around filament filled to glow. Argon.The casing. Glass SiO₂
Are Christmas light bulbs toxic?
White bulbs – the kind used in most household lighting applications – “exhibit relatively low toxicity potentials because they contain less copper and do not contain arsenic or lead” (emphasis mine). So the post's headline – which is all that most people will read as it bounces around the web – is simply wrong.
Is it safe to touch Christmas lights?
Although safe when used according to manufacturer's directions, metallic trees can become charged with electricity from faulty lights- any person touching a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlight above or beside a tree - never fastened to it!
Are Christmas lights safe to touch?
The rule of thumb is that you can only string three strands of traditional incandescent lights together safely. Any more than that and we've created a potentially dangerous electrical situation. If you're using LED lights, you can probably relax — as many as 40-50 LED mini-light strands can be strung together safely.
Do lamps contain lead?
UC researchers tested holiday bulbs, traffic lights and car beams. Those light-emitting diodes marketed as safe, environmentally preferable alternatives to traditional lightbulbs actually contain lead, arsenic and a dozen other potentially hazardous substances, according to newly published research.
Do plastic ornaments contain lead?
Plastic: Plastics – including many ornaments that go on the tree (including plastic decorative ball ornaments) or other plastic electric items (specifically items that plug in – like a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree) are likely to either be high in Lead (which causes brain damage in young children) or to have high ...
Does mercury glass have lead in it?
Mercury glass tree topper: 207 ppm Lead + 462 ppm Arsenic.
Why do people not like LED Christmas lights?
Cons of LED Christmas Lights One of the clear drawbacks to LED Christmas lights is the upfront cost. They are more expensive than traditional lights, however, remember that cost will likely be offset over time with lower energy bills along with the fact you likely won't have to replace them as often.
Are LED Christmas lights safe outside?
They're not — unless they're marked that way on the package. Lights designed for outdoor use are made to withstand cold and wet conditions. Indoor lights are safety tested so they're not a fire hazard for trees, but they're not durable enough for outdoors.
Are LED lights safe on a Christmas tree?
When these blazing bulbs maintained contact with a dried-out fir tree, it's easy to see how Christmas tree fires began. Fortunately, because they are cool to the touch and simply dim over time, LED lights do not present these hazards.
Can I leave Christmas lights on overnight in my room?
Christmas tree lights should not be left on for prolonged periods of time or overnight. Even LED lights can overheat, and with a combination of a dry Christmas tree, could cause a fire. Make it a habit to turn off your Christmas lights every time you leave the house or go to bed at night.
Are Christmas Tree Lights Toxic?
The two main toxin concerns in Christmas tree lights are lead and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
What to Look for in Non-Toxic Christmas Lights
Here’s what to look for when buying the least toxic holiday lights available:
Where to Find Lead-Free Christmas Lights
So, what are the safest Christmas tree lights? We’ll be honest: lead-free Christmas tree lights are difficult to find—we had to dig hard to find a few brands for you!
How To Use Christmas Lights Safely and Reduce Toxin Exposure
Regardless of which brand of lights you choose, it’s always good practice to follow the directions on the box and use precautions to keep toxic chemicals away from little ones. Here are a few helpful pointers:
Conclusion
Although it’s quite difficult to find non-toxic Christmas lights that are completely free from potentially toxic chemicals, there are some brands that are much safer than others.
Not just Target
Target, however, isnt the only company whose Christmas lights contain lead. Manufacturers say lead is part of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation around the wiring on Christmas lights. They also say lead is legally used to stabilize PVC so it doesnt crack or crumble with age.
Findings 'worrisome'
Dr. Leo Trasande, a specialist in children's environmental health at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, said the findings surprised -- and worried -- him.
CPSC calls it 'rotten'
Meanwhile, CPSC officials criticized CNNs testing methods, saying the swipe test is like comparing apples to oranges and is rotten to the core.