Plastic Christmas trees may appear to make environmental sense, because they can be used for many years. And about 20 million households put up a tree that is 9 years old or older. But old Christmas trees, which are made of PVC, are a potential health threat to children.
PVC has been dubbed the most toxic plastic. One reason is that PVC contains significant amounts of lead as a stabilizer. Foundation E.A.R.T.H. has discovered that, as these plastic trees age, they release lead dust, which collects on tree branches and the floor beneath the tree. Most of the plastic trees come from China and they exceed U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations for lead levels in consumer products. Lead is an extremely toxic leavy metal capable of producing long-term behavioral and brain damage, even at low doses.
To be extra safe, don't let your children touch or handle a plastic tree or crawl underneath it. Don't keep presents underneath it either, as they will collect any lead dust that falls. Better yet, purchase a fresh tree this year—it's a renewable resource that can be recycled! For additional lead hazard information, see How to Keep Your Child Lead Free .
November 2005, Environmental Working Group - Find out the safety profile of your deodorant, shampoo, lotions and other personal care products. Enivornmental Working Group's new database has more than 14,000 brand-name products listed.
