A research study released today finds that top retailers of holiday decor continue to sell seasonal products containing hazardous chemicals. The research found that two-thirds of tested products had one or more hazardous chemicals that have been linked to serious health effects. The study is an update to and expansion of research done in 2010 and 2013 by HealthyStuff.org (a project of the Ann Arbor-based nonprofit organization, the Ecology Center), which found high levels of chemical hazards in string lights, garlands and other decorative products.
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 to sell these products," said Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center's research director. Environmentalists and public health advocates have called for retailers to work with suppliers to eliminate these hazards and develop safer substitutes.
13 percent of the 2014 holiday products tested contained lead above 100 ppm, while 12 percent contained greater 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 a 2013 study of beaded garlands. Light strings were also compared to an earlier 2010 study by HealthyStuff.org. The 2014 lights--including lights attached to decorations such as artificial greenery--commonly showed lead and bromine in the wire insulation.
HealthyStuff.org recommends common-sense precautions when handling these products because they may contain hazardous substances: Do not allow children (or adults) to put small holiday ornaments in their mouths. Wash your hands after handling holiday light strings. Frequent vacuuming and reducing levels of dust can reduce exposures to many of these chemicals of concern.