O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree- How Toxic are Thee?

Every year, roughly 80% of Americans, have an artificial Christmas tree in their house.
​This may be something you’ve never thought twice about- until now. 

I grew up taking a family trip to the Christmas tree farm, hopping on a wagon ride, all the while searching for THE PERFECT tree for my dad to cut down. We now continue this tradition with my family. Artificial trees are something I haven’t had any personal experience with, but the majority of my family and friends go this route. 

A quick personal social media poll resulted in 59% real trees and 41% artificial trees.
However, this is mainly because I live in the Midwest.

This blog isn’t about hyping a specific, safe option. I’ve learned than knowing your options aids an informed decision on what you’d like in your house. And that’s what I’m about- knowing your options and making your OWN informed decision. 

​Artificial Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular. There’s no needles to clean up, they can be reused, they can save you money- the list goes on. With this convenience list, at what expense does it impact your health? 

​Most artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in China and made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a petroleum- based plastic. 

Fun Fact: PVC production is the largest and fastest-growing use of chlorine.
Chlorine is the basic building block of our most notorious toxins:
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which destroyed the ozone layer,
Agent Orange (a tactical herbicide),
​PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and
​DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) pesticides.

​PVC must be combined with other chemicals to create its final products. Phthalates, heavy metals like lead, fungicides, and other toxic substances are used in this process. These additives aren’t chemically bound to the PVC. What does that even mean? It means they can be off-gassing in your home. 

Off-gassing is the airborne release of a chemical.
Are you familiar with that ‘new car smell’ or that ‘new carpet smell’?
​That’s off-gassing. 

PVC can also give off lead dust which is released into the air. Lead, as I’m sure you’re aware, is incredibly toxic to kiddos. In 2008, PVCs were banned from children’s toys in the United States. Why? Because phthalates impact natural hormone functioning in children increasing chances of birth defects, testicular cancer, liver problems, etc.  Unfortunately, they haven’t been banned from school supplies. 

​Artificial Christmas trees typically contain flame retardant chemicals. These chemicals are associated with hormone disruption, infertility, thyroid disorders, oxidative stress, immune system disruption, etc. 

Did you know? A British study presented at the March 2012 national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) showed that halogen-based flame retardants increase the danger of invisible toxic gases, the leading cause of death in fires. 

​These flame retardant chemicals are not only used in artificial Christmas trees. They are also added to carpets, furniture, crib mattresses, cars, and many other products. 

Now, Karen, don’t panic! If you’re an artificial Christmas tree owner, there are precautions that will help reduce exposure. 

• PVC off-gasses more when first exposed to air. Take your tree out of the box outside and let it air out.
• Wear gloves when setting up and decorating- and/or wash hands immediately.
• Don’t handle an artificial tree if you’re pregnant- let’s reduce toxic exposure where we can!
• Don’t let your kiddos touch the tree- I understand it’s hard enough to keep toddlers from breaking ornaments. Just wash their hands as soon as possible.
• Use a damp mop/cloth to clean up dusting from the tree- don’t vacuum as that can push lead throughout the air.
• If you’re using the same tree over and over every year, it may be time to get a new one. PVC continues to degrade throughout the years and newer trees should contain less lead than older trees.
• Get an air purification system! I recommend this to everyone. Indoor air is much, much, dirtier than outdoor air. 

You may be asking yourself, how in the world will I know if the artificial Christmas tree I'm purchasing is a safer option!? Here's a couple tips-

• Look for one that is lead-free
  
• Not treated with flame retardants
  
• Made without PVC 

​The more you know,
Dr. Taryn