The reply is affirmative: the majority of Christmas lights do contain small amounts of lead.
So do mini blinds, certain beauty products, and extension cords. And computer cables. And batteries. And the power cords of virtually every electrical appliance in your home. Even the soil in your yard.
And that “lead-free” plumbing delivering your drinking water? The same plumbing that adheres to current legal standards for lead reduction? It can harbor up to 8% lead.
Even the dust in your residence – which you constantly battle with a vacuum, Swiffer duster, and sweeper – probably contains traces of lead. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, all these everyday household items may contain lead.
Should you be concerned about the lead in your Christmas lights? Absolutely, you should. Just as you should be mindful of the other lead sources in your home.
But your concern should be balanced. There's no reason to cease enjoying your Christmas lights. Just as there's no need to stop consuming water, discard your mini blinds, or throw away every piece of electrical equipment you possess.
Significant Progress Has Been Made
Lead is a harmful element. It can cause serious health issues. Numerous sources exist within the home. However, tremendous strides have been made in lowering our lead exposure.
According to the EPA, lead levels in children's blood have decreased by 93% over approximately the last three decades. Furthermore, a recent Canadian study indicated that blood lead levels have reduced by 11% since 2009.
Despite the advancements in minimizing lead exposure, it's still crucial to stay aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to lessen lead exposure.
Adopt Sensible Precautions
The minimal amounts of lead found in Christmas light cords are used to prevent the insulation protecting the wires from cracking. According to the American Cancer Society, the “lead in cords is not in a powdered form, so there's no risk of inhalation.”
Why is this important?
Lead ingestion primarily happens through the mouth or inhalation of contaminated air. Therefore, Christmas light cords don't pose a major risk for causing lead ingestion via inhalation, one of the two primary methods of lead absorption.
However, handling Christmas light cords – or any electrical cords, in general – can leave a trace of lead on your skin. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, lead is not absorbed through the skin. Thus, the main risk is ingesting lead after handling Christmas lights and then eating. This risk is easily mitigated.
The American Cancer Society advises washing your hands after handling Christmas light cords, or any cords, to avoid ingesting any lead that may have transferred to your hands. Additionally, avoid eating or feeding children while stringing holiday lights or handling power cords.
It's also common sense to keep light cords away from infants and toddlers.
Common Sense is Key…
Mistletoe contains viscotoxins, which can affect the pulse, cause gastrointestinal issues, and be toxic to pets. Christmas candles cause numerous house fires and even fatalities each holiday season, and natural Christmas trees present a significant fire risk. Eggnog is packed with potentially health-threatening cholesterol.
Does this mean you should never savor the moment under the mistletoe? Does it imply your family can never again experience the solemn joy of a Christmas Eve candlelight vigil? Does it mean no more Christmas trees or festive cups of eggnog?
Definitely not.
It simply means being aware of potential hazards and taking appropriate common-sense precautions. We do this every day; it's a fundamental part of living. And that part of daily life should never take a holiday.
So keep enjoying your Christmas lights. After all, washing your hands after handling your lights is a very minor price to pay for all the joy these lights bring every single holiday season.
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