Let’s start with the fire risk. Of the roughly 354,000 home-structure fires that occur in the U.S. each year, about 160 are attributed to Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. While the risk is small compared with other culprits (like kitchen fires), it does exist.
Toxic Chemicals in Artificial Christmas Trees The majority of artificial trees are made using a not-so-great plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). … Lead particles can be released from the artificial trees over time too. The exposure risk from artificial trees is smaller, but is definitely possible (2).
Beside this, Do artificial trees have lead?
The majority of artificial trees are made using a not-so-great plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). … Lead particles can be released from the artificial trees over time too. The exposure risk from artificial trees is smaller, but is definitely possible (2).
Likewise, Are there bugs in real Christmas trees?
What Bugs Live in a Real Christmas Tree? The types of bugs living in your Christmas tree will differ depending on the type of tree and location. The major insects include: adelgids, aphids, bark beetles, mites, praying mantises, psocids, scale insects, spiders, moths, sawflies, weevils, bark lice and webworms.
Also, Do all artificial Christmas trees contain lead?
Most artificial trees are manufactured in China and made from two items: PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and lead, used to stabilize PVC. … Most Americans have no idea that there is lead in artificial trees; only California mandates a lead warning label on every box containing an artificial tree.
Can real Christmas trees catch fire?
It’s easy for any tree, real or artificial, to catch fire when decorators overload electrical sockets with lights. Even flame retardant or flame resistant artificial trees can eventually succumb to a fire as their resistance wears off when completely consumed in flames.
17 Related Question Answers Found
Are real Christmas trees fire hazards?
Even though real trees pose the bigger fire threat, artificial trees are also vulnerable. It’s easy for any tree, real or artificial, to catch fire when decorators overload electrical sockets with lights.
Are real Christmas trees dangerous?
However, real trees don’t contain harmful chemicals like lead or fire retardants, and they evoke more of the sense of the holiday for some people because they smell so good. If you’re balking at the price of a real Christmas tree, you’ll pay less if you wait.
What can I spray on my Christmas tree to kill bugs?
Spray pesticide Make some DIY bug spray for your Christmas tree such as neem oil or soapy water. Spray it on a schedule. This will kill many of the pests and their eggs.
Can you leave an artificial tree plugged in?
“Although Balsam Hill trees are all fire-resistant, we still recommend not to leave your artificial Christmas trees plugged in overnight for the safety of your trees and ornaments while you are asleep or not around.” … The cords of artificial trees are where much of the danger can lie, according to Austin.
Do fake Christmas trees have lead?
Exposure to lead has long been recognized as a major public health issue in the United States and other industrialized nations. … The first phase of experimentation tested artificial Christmas trees in the laboratory for lead content in branches, lead transfer from hand contact, and lead dust levels under the tree.
Why Real Christmas trees are better?
The real tree can be recycled as mulch, compost, or wildlife shelter, whereas the fake tree can’t,” according to Mr. Green. Real trees absorb carbon dioxide while they grow, which helps to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Are real Christmas trees better than artificial?
In fact, for every real Christmas tree they harvest, they plant at least one new tree.” … However, a fake Christmas tree can have a smaller negative impact on the environment if the customer keeps it for five years or longer. But even still, once that tree is out of use, it can’t be naturally reused or recycled.
What are fake Christmas trees made out of?
Most artificial Christmas trees are made from PVC plastic. PVC trees are fire-retardant but not fire-resistant.
Can a Christmas tree catch on fire by itself?
Trees only catch fire when set alight by a blaze that already exists in the home and are seldom ever the source of ignition, said National Christmas Tree Association spokesperson Doug Hundley.
Why are real trees better than fake trees?
More important than all that is the fact that, unlike fake trees, real trees are completely biodegradable. They can be used for lumber, turned into mulch, or composted and used to fertilize next year’s crop. To further lower the environmental impact of the real tree you buy, try purchasing one that was locally-grown.
Can you get fleas from a Christmas tree?
But new research has revealed that your Christmas tree is capable of bringing some unwanted guests into your home including aphids, spiders, fleas and ticks. … Your Christmas tree is capable of carrying live pests like aphids, spiders, fleas and ticks into your home.
How many house fires are caused by Christmas trees?
Between 2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of two deaths, 14 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.
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