That time of the year has arrived once again when you dig up the old, trusty holiday decorations from the attic, basement, or wherever you hide your seasonal decor. Don’t think I’m acting like the Grinch, but those trusty decorations may not be as reliable as you may think.
Back in the day, there was less consideration of the health effects of the materials used and it resulted in products with dangerous toxins. Keep reading to learn how to have a safe holiday season this year, I’ll guide you through:
● The dangers of certain Christmas decor.
● When to replace your decorations.
● Safer alternatives you can use instead.
Christmas Decoration Danger
In a world filled with manufactured goods, it can never be a bad idea to look into what goes into the manufacturing process of products in your home. With the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to do a winter sweep of the house. You never know what you might find and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Below are common Christmas decorations that you may have in your home and that you may need to reconsider.
Fake Snow
In the 1940s fake snow was made out of asbestos. Yes, asbestos, a cancer-causing mineral, was used to imitate snow. Asbestos is made up of six naturally occurring silicate materials and was most commonly used to offer heat and chemical resistance as well as fireproofing, and to look like snow when it was impractical to use real snow. Exposure to asbestos can lead to major health effects including mesothelioma cancer. This cancer occurs in the lining of the lungs and unfortunately results in a short life expectancy.
It’s not the 1940’s anymore, but you may have old or vintage ornaments, artificial trees, or garland that includes fake snow on the product. If you think that there is a possibility that an old decoration may contain asbestos, look into the protocol of how to dispose of it correctly in your area.
Nowadays, fake snow can come in different variations whether it’s from an aerosol can or some form of powder. Both types of fake snow could potentially cause health complications in humans and also pets. It can especially be a risk for children. It can be difficult to keep track of what your child touches but it’s a necessity to make sure their hands are cleaned if there’s potential contact with the fake snow. This can prevent accidental consumption or eye contact with any toxic materials. The safest route is to make fake snow from scratch using natural ingredients.
Artificial Christmas Trees & Garland
Having a Christmas tree and garland hanging is a staple of the holiday season. I know this one may sound like a hassle to some, but making sure your tree and garland is toxin-free is one of the best things you can do. Artificial trees can be made with PVC plastic and bound with lead to create a strong structure. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer used in home improvement projects and for medical supplies but can be toxic to adults and especially children. However, as the years go by, the plastic can weaken and create lead dust, leaving you vulnerable to lead poisoning.
If you’re looking for a better alternative for a tree and garland this season, the best option is to opt for a real organic tree and organic garland rather than artificial versions. Emphasis on the organic. Real, non-organic trees are sprayed with eight different pesticides that are harmful to the environment, our pets, and to our own bodies. The same goes for garland, they’re sprayed using the same pesticides. Pesticides used include chlorothalonil, atrazine, simazine, glyphosate, hexazinone, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and dimethoate are linked to causing endocrine damage, cancer, and hormone disruption.
If you are set on a living tree and are not able to buy organic, here are a couple of tips to reduce your intake of pesticides:
● Air out your tree outside or open windows.
● Spray down your tree.
● Use an air purifier.
If you already have an artificial tree or plan to purchase one, be sure to do your research and look for PVC-free trees. Once you’re unboxing your tree, let your tree air out with fresh air and use an air purifier to keep your indoor air quality safe for the family.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can also choose to retire the live tree and garland. You can create a tree out of cardboard, wood, or driftwood. This is your time to be unique and try something new. Whichever way you choose to craft a tree, you can feel healthier and at peace knowing your tree is toxin-free. A popular alternative to live garland is by making your own popcorn and string garland, using dried orange slices and herbs for an organic feel, or buying wooden garland.
Lights
String lights are what can bring a room together whether it’s the holiday season or not. Unfortunately, PVC plastic is used in the making of holiday lights. PVC and lead are used as insulators for the wiring and to prevent wires from falling apart in the future. An additive ingredient of PVC is chlorine which can create a byproduct known as dioxins and furans. Dioxins put people at risk of cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and damage to their immune system. Keep children away from products like this and make sure they wash their hands if they’re exposed to them elsewhere. As an alternative, look for LED-free Christmas lights.
Ornaments
We mentioned earlier that ornaments that contain fake snow can pose a risk to our health, but there are other concerns with ornaments that you need to be aware of. It’s not as common today but lead paint was used for ornaments as well as lead in crystal and mercury in glass ornaments. If you have vintage ornaments that have sentimental value to you, take precautions and hang them on the tree somewhere children cannot reach. Otherwise, the safest route is to be out with the old and in with the new. Wooden ornaments are a great substitute as well as hanging candy canes, another option is making your own ornaments with natural ingredients such as pinecones and dried citrus fruits.
Have Fun with It
Christmas decorations are meant to bring the holiday spirit, not ruin it. Instead of thinking this is the end to your Christmas cozy home, get your creative juices flowing and think of how you can make decorations yourself with non-toxic ingredients. Think of it as a starting point for sustainable development in your home and a healthier environment for all. Naughty or nice, bring on the spice and get to decorating!