In the U.S.A, approximately 1,800 pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are being recalled because they pose a fire risk. Electricity components in the tree’s light strings can overheat and melt, posing safety hazards to consumers, including fire, burn, and shock. In general, pre lit Christmas trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is not the best kind of plastic.
The Dangers of Pre Lit Christmas Trees: What You Need to Know
Among the most well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals, phthalates are present in PVC. They have a negative impact on hormone production and distribution in the body. This chemical is used to soften plastics (think pine needle-like softness) but has a few damaging health effects. As a matter of fact, phthalates are so harmful to health that many are banned from children’s products. They have been linked to asthma, neurodevelopmental issues, cancer, obesity, and type II diabetes. In addition to these dangers, they can easily leach or migrate out of plastics and end up in household dust which people end up eating or breathing in, putting them at risk of exposure. Also, lead is often used to stabilize and make PVC easier to work with. Over time, pre lit Christmas trees can also emit lead particles. Although the risk of exposure is lower, it is evident that it is possible. The level of lead in the environment can cause numerous health problems for children and adults.
Additionally, pre lit Christmas trees are flame-retardant so that they do not catch fire. Even though we do not want a fire, chemical flame retardants can cause health problems such as cancer, decreased fertility in both men and women, disruption to the immune system, disrupted hormone production and regulation, and lower IQ and hyperactivity in children. Especially if you have children or pets at home, artificial/ pre lit Christmas trees aren’t the best for your health!