Are all Christmas trees flame retardant?

Bottom line, when shopping for a non-toxic Christmas tree, look for the one that is PVC- and lead-free and not treated with flame retardants. However, know that you might not find a tree that meets all three criteria. To reiterate, there is no 100% safe Christmas tree in absolute terms.

Do all artificial Christmas trees have flame retardants?

Most artificial Christmas trees are made from plastics like PVC and contain toxic additives like flame retardants. Real trees are a better option for many, but can come with things like pesticides, mold, and allergens like pollen.

Do Christmas trees have fire retardant?

Combustible vegetation can include a variety of items, such as hay bales, limbs, leaves, and Christmas trees. These items, by their nature, are initially fire retardant. The problem arises when they have been cut and packaged, often early in the season, without access to water for extended periods of time.

Are IKEA Christmas trees flame retardant free?

IKEA strives to totally refrain from the use of chemical flame retardants in the products and instead use techniques and materials with flame re- tardant properties e.g. wool. However, in some countries, chemical flame retardants are needed in specific products in order to pass a local legal requirement.

What is a flame retardant Christmas tree?

Safe and non-toxic, this Christmas Tree Fire Gard is a transparent, one-coat fire retardant spray for your fresh decorations that will reduce the likelihood of ignition and spread of flames. A one quart-size bottle of spray will cover an 8-ft tree.

Fire Retardant for Christmas Tree's

Are real Christmas trees fire hazards?

When are Christmas trees a fire hazard? Technically, a Christmas tree is always a fire hazard, but it can become more of one once the needles start to dry out. Experts recommend keeping live trees for no more than four weeks, and continuing to water them during that timeframe.

How do I make my Christmas tree flame-retardant?

Are Costco Christmas trees toxic?

2008) Christmas tree from Costco: 5,896 ppm Lead [90 ppm is unsafe for kids.]

Are Balsam Hill trees flame-retardant?

Balsam Hill™ Christmas trees are made from fire-retardant materials, and are less likely to be a fire risk with proper diligence and precaution.

Are real Christmas trees sprayed with chemicals?

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.

Are pre lit Christmas trees safe?

Pre-lit artificial trees have been recalled before, so make sure you're tree hasn't been recalled before using it. Even if not recalled, pre-lit artificial trees can pose electrical shock hazards and fire risks from exposed wiring, wiring that is too short, or cords that aren't plugged in completely.

How common are Christmas tree fires?

The National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 160 home fires are caused by Christmas trees per year. The fires burn quickly and can destroy more than just the tree, resulting in $10 million in direct property damage annually, according to the NFPA.

Are real Christmas trees toxic?

To reiterate, there is no 100% safe Christmas tree in absolute terms. Thus, real trees may contain allergens and even trigger asthma in both humans and pets. And artificial fir trees may contain potentially harmful chemicals, including flame retardants.

How toxic are artificial Christmas trees?

Toxic Chemicals in Artificial Christmas Trees

They have been linked to asthma, neurodevelopment issues, cancers, obesity and type II diabetes, reproductive harm, and male fertility issues (1). In fact, phthalates are so harmful to health that many are banned from children's products.

Can artificial Christmas trees make you sick?

As a result, a study from 2004 even found traceable amounts of lead in artificial trees. “PVC also releases gases known as volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs,” Dr. Harnett says.

What type of Christmas tree is safe for cats?

Live Trees: Fir, spruce, and pine trees make excellent Christmas trees and are generally non-toxic to pets. The needles, however, can cause oral irritation and in excessive amounts, gastrointestinal upset.

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.

Is a pre flocked tree toxic?

Flocking. A popular tree decoration called flocking, or imitation snow, can also cause serious problems when significant amounts of it are swallowed. If you are going to have a tree in your home, it is best to at least get a non-flocked tree.

How many houses burn down because of Christmas trees?

Between 2015-2019 , U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of two deaths, 12 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.

What percentage of house fires are caused by Christmas trees?

Fires that begin with Christmas trees are a very small, but notable, part of the US fire problem. These fires account for less than 0.1 percent of reported home fires, and 0.1 percent of home fire deaths, home fire injuries, and direct property damage resulting from home fires.

Are LED Christmas lights a fire hazard?

LED lights are also less likely to start a fire due to their reduced heat output, and their lower current reduces the chance of wire overheating. However, be careful when using both LED and incandescent Christmas lights.

Are all Christmas trees sprayed?

Of the 24.5 million real Christmas trees purchased in the U.S. every year, only 1 percent are grown organically. That doesn't give you very good odds for finding an organic one. And, it likely means the tree in your living room was sprayed with pesticides.

Do they spray pesticides on Christmas trees?

Most Christmas tree growers regularly spray Roundup and other herbicides to control noxious weeds and Lorsban—an organophospate insecticide that has been linked to nervous system damage, among other things—to kill aphids, which damage trees by yellowing foliage and stunting growth.

Do you have to spray a real Christmas tree?

You should spray your tree with room temperature water at least once a day but only when the Christmas lights are off and unplugged. Spraying your tree daily will reduce the dryness, prevent excessive amounts of needles from falling off, and make the tree more resistant against fire and flames.

How long should trees sit before decorating?

Un-net your tree and leave it to stand for 24 hours before decorating so that the branches can settle into place. Make sure your real tree gets enough water.