Updated research from 2010 and 2013 done by HealthyStuff.org (a project of the Ann Arbor-based nonprofit organization, the Ecology Center) has shown that two-thirds of holiday decorations, like light strands and holiday garland, contain one or more hazardous chemicals that have been linked to serious health issues.
For this study, Ecology Center researchers tested 69 seasonal holiday products including beaded and tinsel garlands, artificial wreaths and greenery, stockings, figurines and other tabletop decorations, and gift bags. Products were tested for substances that have been linked to asthma, birth defects, learning disabilities, reproductive problems, liver toxicity and cancer. People can be exposed to these chemicals by breathing air or dust containing chemicals volitalized from the products or by handling them.
“We’ve been testing and finding similar problems with these products since 2010. Most retailers have been slow to react and continue sell these products,” said Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center’s research director.
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Thirteen percent of the 2014 holiday products contained lead above 100 ppm; 12% of the products contained more than 800 ppm bromine, indicating the presence of brominated flame retardants. Beaded garlands were found to contain a multitude of toxic contaminants, mirroring the results from the group’s 2013 study of beaded garlands. Light strings were also compared to an earlier study by HealthyStuff.org. The 2014 lights — including lights attached to decorations — commonly showed high levels of lead and bromine, as did the 2010 study.
“Parents shouldn’t have to worry that their holiday decorations contain chemicals like lead and toxic flame retardants,” said Mike Schade, Mind the Store campaign director for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families. “Big retailers should get these hidden hazards out of holiday decorations, once and for all. When it comes to risking people’s health, customers expect their favorite retailers to mind the store.”
Basically, don’t put holiday decorations in your mouth (yes, you must resist your insatiable urges), and certainly don’t let your kids. Also, wash your hands after you handle these kind of products.
[Photo from flickr user cfinke]
