Artificial Christmas Trees Could be a Lead Hazard

11/30/2006 (KFSN) -- It's far too early for Chi Chi Burnett and her family to set up their home for the holidays just yet. But in a couple of weeks, they'll be ready. Chi Chi says, "We have an artificial tree. My mom passed it down. She probably had it about ten years ago, and it's an inexpensive way to celebrate Christmas because we've got two children."

But there is a warning from the University of North Carolina, Asheville about those older artificial trees. A 2003 study found some of those branches may have been made with PVC and putting those trees near heat, like a sunny window or fireplace, makes matters worse. Allan Hirsch of the California Environmental Protection Agency says, "These trees, some of the plastics, will dissolve into a dust and lead will be in that dust."

Ingesting lead, especially by children, can be toxic. That's why on holiday lights sold in California, many have warning labels on the outside because of a 1986 voter approved initiative called Proposition 65. Hirsch says, "It's just a heads up to the buyer that the product does contain a substance that has been identified as causing cancer or reproductive harm."

The holiday light cords with the warning label contain at least 2% lead. Consumers must wash their hands after handling them and keep children away.

Most artificial Christmas tree makers, though, have already changed their formulas so that new ones are made without toxic ingredients.

Burnett is upset her "hand-me down" tree could be harmful. She says, "It really does surprise me. It also makes me want to go out and just by a new Christmas tree. . .lead is a big deal. Lead poisoning is a big deal."

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