Are artificial Xmas 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.

What is the least toxic artificial Christmas tree?

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.

Is there lead in artificial Christmas trees?

Artificial trees are made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, in which lead is used as a stabilizer and softener. Research has shown that lead dust tends to leach out from fake trees over time, so if yours is more than a dozen years old, be careful.

Are Xmas trees toxic?

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.

Are artificial trees unhealthy?

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.

VERIFY: Why artificial Christmas trees may be potentially harmful

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.

Are artificial Christmas trees safer than real ones?

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."

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 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 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.

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.

Do Balsam Hill trees have lead?

-based Balsam Hill, which provides high-end fake trees that mimic natural varieties, claim their products are flame-retardant, long-lasting and allergy-free "with no messy needles and cleanup," says Thomas Harman, Balsam Hill's founder and CEO. "Our trees do not contain lead.

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.

What are symptoms of being allergic to Christmas trees?

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

triggers pollen allergy flare-up. Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.

Are Balsam Hill trees non toxic?

Balsam Hill also carries some artificial Christmas trees that are made partially with polyethylene (PE), in combination with PVC. They're not completely PVC-free, but they contain less than many other fake trees. These do contain flame retardants, though, unfortunately.

Are all Christmas trees PVC?

It's no secret that the use of PVC for Christmas trees has been considered as standard for decades; until now, the majority of artificial Christmas trees available on the market have been constructed using only PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

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.

Is it better to buy a fake Christmas tree?

In fact, you would have to keep your fake Christmas tree for at least 10 years for it to have the same carbon impact as using a real tree each year — and that isn't considering the environmental damage artificial trees cause as they slowly break down in a landfill.

Why should I not buy a real Christmas tree?

How long should you keep an artificial Christmas tree?

Another benefit of artificial Christmas trees is that you can use them for years. Warner said most artificial trees last an average of 10 years, while some can be used for 20 years or more. Because of this, it's important to think about what kind of Christmas tree you want in the long run while you're shopping.

Can you leave an artificial tree plugged in overnight?

"Although Balsam Hill trees are all fire-resistant, we still recommend not to leave your artificial Christmas trees plugged in overnight for the safety of your trees and ornaments while you are asleep or not around."

Can fake Christmas trees get mold?

Contrary to what you may think, the danger isn't relegated to fresh, live trees; artificial Christmas trees that sit in a humid attic year-round will collect dust, and then, when that dust is exposed to moisture, it turns into mold. If you do have an artificial tree, make sure you store it properly.

Can Christmas tree cause sore throat?

A Christmas tree allergy can cause wheezing, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. It can also lead to serious asthma attacks.

Do Christmas trees cause headaches?

For some people, the scent of a Christmas tree is beautiful, but it can also be a major headache trigger. After a couple of weeks with pine boughs in your home, you might be suffering. Other common holiday scents that give people headaches include scented candles and even cinnamon.