Are artificial Christmas trees toxic?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Most fake Christmas trees are made from PVC, which is the most toxic type of plastic. PVC contains chlorine. Chlorine creates byproducts called dioxins and furans—two chemicals that can be extremely toxic.

Do fake Christmas trees give off toxins?

Artificial trees are typically made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is extremely toxic and polluting to produce, can result in exposures to harmful chemicals when used, and are toxic to dispose of. PVC is hard and rigid, so to make it soft, pliable, and moldable, softeners like lead and/or phthalates are added.

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.

Do artificial Christmas trees contain lead?

For many families, artificial Christmas trees are an easy and economical alternative to buying a tree from a lot. But your fake tree — and string lights — may contain lead. For many families, artificial Christmas trees are an easy and economical alternative to buying a tree from a lot.

Are prelit 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.

VERIFY: Why artificial Christmas trees may be potentially harmful

Why are fake Christmas trees safer?

The exposure risk from artificial trees is smaller, but is definitely possible (2). Lead causes numerous health issues in children and adults, and there is no known safe level (3). Lastly, artificial trees have flame retardants added to them to prevent fires.

Are Christmas trees treated 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 real or fake Christmas trees safer?

Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with a Christmas tree ever year, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association. So we can Verify, yes, a fake tree is safer—that's as long as your artificial tree is labeled "fire-resistant."

Are Christmas trees toxic to humans?

* Poinsettia and Christmas trees - Poinsettia plants and Christmas tree needles are not poisonous if eaten, but may cause mouth/throat irritation, stomach upset, or irritate the skin if handled by children. Choking on tree needles is the main concern.

Are polyethylene Christmas trees safe?

Polyethylene and polypropylene are safer materials than PVC. Closer to non-toxic Christmas tree options. You can reduce exposure to real tree and artificial tree toxic chemicals.

What is the white stuff on fake Christmas trees?

Is there anyway this can be done?” is the artificial snow that is sprayed onto Christmas trees to give the effect of a white Christmas. It is often made of cellulose, however regardless of the ingredients, it is suprisingly easy to remove, often simply pulling right off with your fingers.

What are artificial Xmas trees made of?

Today, most artificial Christmas trees are made from PVC plastic. PVC trees are fire-retardant but not fire-resistant.

Can Christmas trees cause sinusitis?

A study by the State University of New York found that 70% of the molds found in live Christmas trees trigger some sort of reaction. Dr Boutin said it can cause severe asthma attacks, fatigue and sinus congestion. Often you can't even see the mold that's making you sick.

How often should you replace artificial Christmas tree?

Most Americans plan to keep their artificial trees for ten years; however, the average usable lifespan is six years. It's a good idea to research the company and product quality before making your purchase. Artificial trees can last for years and even come with 1-10-year warranties.

Can artificial Christmas trees cause allergies?

Unfortunately, these storage areas are prone to dust and mold. That being said, artificial trees may also trigger allergy symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes.

What is PVC Christmas tree?

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.

Why does my artificial Christmas tree smell?

When you dig that tree out of the storage spot and it has a musty smell, that's easy to remove and isn't that difficult, it's just fiddley. The most important thing to think about is time, it's going to take a few hours maximum to clean and then it will need time to dry before you start decorating.

Is Christmas tree sap toxic?

There are two points of concern with eating needles from live Christmas trees: Sharp needles from certain species of trees can actually puncture tissues after they are swallowed. Obviously, this is painful and can be dangerous. The resin, or sap, from pines and firs is toxic to cats.

Why should I not buy a real Christmas tree?

How long do pesticides stay on Christmas trees?

But generally speaking, the last insecticide they would have probably been used, if they used it at all, was probably five months before the trees were harvested. So, there are very few insecticides that will hang around. Most of them are active for only about a month or so.

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.

Are LED Christmas trees safe?

Don't leave lights plugged in

Just as you would flip off the kitchen light before bed, do the same to the tree. Even an artificial tree can catch fire as a result of tree lights. Christmas lights can get hot, and in some instances, start fires. Even the popular LED lights can overheat.

Why Real Christmas trees are better?

Real Christmas trees help filter dust and smog from the air and help stop soil erosion. Christmas trees on a farm produce oxygen - a necessary component of life for people. Real Christmas trees provide a comfortable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Are artificial or real Christmas trees better for the environment?

Real or Fake: Which Christmas tree is better for the environment? Short answer–real! Real trees help fight climate change, and even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you're actually supporting forests.

Which Christmas tree is least allergenic?