Beware of Lead in Christmas Trees and Lights
Christmas is here, right around the corner. If you are shopping for decoration lights, beware of the lead that they may contain. You must have noticed warning label stated in some of them. Lead is associated with mainly neurological damage.
The wire coating and cords which are made of PVC plastic contains lead to make these plastic coating more flexible, reduce fire risk and maintain color. There are many other electrical equipments and consumer products like hair dryers that need to carry warning labels to follow the environmental regulations. Though these cords containing lead are covered with PVC yet they pose a threat to human health.
Here are certain advices which you should follow in order to avoid the risk of lead poisoning:
• Do not allow children to make light decorations on their own.
• If adults are handling these lights, they should wash their hands properly after using them.
• Avoid purchasing lights made in china and other foreign countries where there is no restriction for using lead in consumer products.
• If you do not find any warning label, do not assume that they are lead free. Handle them with great caution.
In the same way, Artificial Christmas trees which are made of PVC can also contain poisonous lead. Lead laced dust can spoil the gifts and harm the kids. Before purchasing make sure the tree does not contain lead. Environmental Health resource center provides all information about ordering a test kit and how to get rid of poisoning. For detecting level of lead there are do it yourself kit available in hardware stores.
If you have kids at home, it is better not to purchase artificial Christmas tree unless you are sure the tree is lead free. Even if you have purchased this tree, keep children away from these trees. Put the gifts under the tree only before opening them. To reduce PVC degradation put the tree in shade and cool place.
The best environment friendly choice will be to use organic Christmas tree or potted tree. Celebrate Christmas in a very healthy, happy, greener and safe way.
