It’s already that time of year again! The holidays are around the corner and if there is ever a time to be mindful of safe decorating practices, it is during the holiday season. Regardless of who we are with: family, friends, pets, there are holiday decorations to be cautious of having in and around the house.

Real Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a big business in the United States. On average, Americans’ purchase over 40 million trees every year. However, the pesticides that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers for use on conventionally grown Christmas trees are linked to numerous adverse health effects, including cancer, hormonal disruption, neurotoxicity, organ damage, reproductive/birth defects, asthma, and more. However organic Christmas trees, which follow the same U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards as agricultural crops, make up less than 2% of all Christmas trees farmed. Organic trees are a dramatic improvement from conventionally grown and artificial trees in several ways and growing public awareness of the need for a ‘greener tree’ is on the rise and more organic trees are being produced to meet this demand. Check out this list for Organic Christmas Tree farms by State or the Green Promise website here.

Tip: To avoid bringing fresh allergens or mold spores into your home consider storing your tree in a garage or dry shed (in a bucket of water ) for a few days. This will reduce the amount of mold spores and pollen entering your home. Once inside, keep the tree well watered to avoid it from drying out. Also, reduce the chances of a house fire by removing the tree when the branches become brittle and dry. A suggestion is to remove the tree by the first week of January when communities typically have recycling programs for disposing of trees safely and economically.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Many people buy artificial Christmas trees to avoid the mess of dropped needles spreading throughout their homes, or because they are allergic to the mold spores, pollen or pesticides in real trees. Unfortunately, that pristine artificial tree could be spreading chemical dust you cannot see. Most artificial trees are manufactured in China and made from PVC, a petroleum-based plastic. Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization. Lead, which is used to stabilize the PVC and make it pliable, breaks down into lead dust, which is released into the air, and can be especially toxic to children younger than six years old. It can also poison pets. Other chemicals found in artificial trees is phthalates, cadmium, and/or organotins. A safer chemical, Polythylene (PE) is now used in the manufacturing of some artificial trees and is used by companies such as IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing company. Ikea claims their artificial trees use 30% recycled materials, which is great for the earth, but does not necessarily mean is safe to handle or breathe, so be mindful and vigilant.

Tip: If you own an artificial tree keep children from touching the tree and wash hands after manipulating or touching the branches. Always use good ventilation when installing the tree, if possible, since this is when the lead dust can become airborne. If the tree is old then consider discarding it because the materials will breakdown and spread more dust and chemicals into your home.

Consider a Handmade Tree

There are creative ways to have a Christmas tree that does not pose any harm to your family, pets or the Earth. Constructing a tree out of recycled material can be fun and different and the ideas are endless. Think driftwood, white birch branches, barn board, sturdy cardboard nailed or glued together and built onto a sturdy base (make sure to secure to a wall so it does not fall over onto children or pets). There are some for sale on Etsy.com, and Pinterest offers many, creative ideas. Also, consider decorating the tree with handmade ornaments and a simple stand of LED fairy lights for a natural and eco-friendly look.

Ornaments and Lights

Most holiday lights and cheap ornaments are manufactured overseas. Lead is used to make the light cords of holiday lights soft and pliable so use common-sense and wash hands after touching. Some ornaments, whether glass or plastic, may have lead-based paint, specifically glitter and metallic paint. If children handle the ornaments make sure they keep their hands away from mouths and eyes and wash hands thoroughly after touching. Safest bet is to buy handmade wooden ornaments made in the U.S. or European Country where safety standards are highest. If you have a lot of free time, hand make ornaments and decorations this year.

Scented or Unscented Candles

What would the holidays be without the beauty of glimmering candle light? Whether on a dining table, a kitchen counter or fireplace mantle, candles provide a perfect ambiance for entertaining or relaxing. But keep in mind, lit candles must never be left unattended. Furthermore, artificially scented candles can be unhealthy. Scented candles can contain benzene and toluene (volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s), two toxic chemicals known to cause migraines, throat irritations and chronic asthma in sensitive individuals. More significantly, these chemicals can affect the brain and the central nervous system. Your best choice is to use unscented candles, natural bees wax candles or soy based candles that have all-natural oils in them. If your intention is to cover up unwanted odors in your house, do not buy scented candles at all. Instead place oranges in a bowl and insert cloves into the flesh of the orange for the most refreshing and natural scent nature intended.

Other Potential Hazards

Deck the halls with boughs of holly — just don’t eat them!

Many of the plants we associate with the holiday season have a reputation for being poisonous. But which ones are dangerous and how serious is the threat? Well, it’s smart to be vigilant and cautious if you have children and pets in the house. For example, some types of Mistletoe contain viscotoxins which, if ingested in large quantities can cause drowsiness, blurred vision and gastrointestinal problems. American Mistletoe (Phoradendron loranthaceae) has smooth, green oval shaped leaves and clusters of waxy white berries. Since the early 18th century hanging mistletoe from a doorway or hallway lantern is a holiday tradition for it is a symbol of love and fertility, and for those who pass beneath it must kiss - unfortunately not recommended during a pandemic!

Holly (Ilex species) is a small evergreen tree or shrub with stiff, prickly leaves and red berries. The berries contain toxic compounds. These can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and —in rare cases — drowsiness in children and adults. Swallowing 20-30 berries is a toxic dose for adults, although there are reports of people who experienced symptoms after swallowing smaller amounts.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a showy shrub with green leaves and “flowers” that are red, white, or pink. The leaves are not poisonous but the white sap in the stem can cause minor skin irritation. If swallowed the sap can irritate the mouth and stomach.

Tip: Be smart and keep all living plants and flowers away from children and pets. Here is a list of poisonous house plants put out by UVAHealth and the Blue Ridge Poison Center.

Common Sense During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of celebration and to enjoy family and one another’s company, not to fret or stress about the safety in our home. It simply means that each of us should be mindful and aware of any potential risks or hidden dangers associated with holiday decorations. If we take appropriate common-sense precautions this holiday season, it will be one of gratitude and appreciation, and a hope for a healthier and more prosperous 2022.