How to Minimize Lead Exposure From Christmas Tree Lights

With Christmas just weeks away, families will be enjoying the task of decorating their homes with wreaths, bows, mistletoe, lights, and more. We must all be aware that the lights can be very dangerous to children because of the lead used on the wires. Learn how to minimize the exposure to you and your family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Christmas lights.
• A step ladder.
• Soap.
• Water.

1. First you will want to decide where you will be using the lights. Put on a pair of gloves before handling the lights. It is very important to check the lights to make sure they are in safe working order before hanging them up. If there is a problem discard them and either do without the lights or purchase new ones.

2. Start hanging the lights with the help of another adult, who should also be wearing gloves. Lights are a beautiful way to decorate for Christmas but we want to remain aware of the hazards associated with them. Be sure to use a step ladder when hanging lights in higher areas and at the top of your tree.

3. After you are finished hanging the lights, step back and take a look to see if they are out of the reach of children. If not, you will want to raise them so little hands and mouths are unable to touch them. When you are satisfied with how they look and their location remove your gloves and go straight to the sink. You will want to wash your hands thoroughly for 15-20 seconds with soap and water, paying close attention to creases and under your nails.

4. Finally, turn on the lights, enjoy your creation, and have a safe and happy holiday season.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to always store lights in a child-proof container.
• Have a family member or friend watch your children while you decorate. (or decorate while they are in school)
• Always have a second person to help hang the lights in case of a fall or injury.
• Use a ladder to avoid strain to your back and to prevent injury.
• Always wash your hands after handling the lights.
• Never leave lights on when no one is home.
• Never leave children unattended in the presence of these lights.
• Never feed a child before washing your hands.

Resources

• Start A Successful Christmas Light Installation Business
• Putting Up Christmas Lights

[PurpleAnkh]

on 1/20/2009 I was not aware of lead in the wires. Thank you for the heads up. Even if the lead is coated with plastic, if there is any damage, there is a risk of exposure. It might also be important to note a risk to pets, because some pets chew on wires. My mom's dog did that sometimes.

[Melody]

on 12/24/2008 Good to know!

[spayne]

on 11/29/2008 Yes seriously. The lead is used as a fire retardant and if there was NO danger of any lead getting through there, I highly doubt there would be warnings on the boxes. Why would they waste the extra money for the warning. According to several sources, it is just nearly impossible to determine the amount of lead anyone could be exposed to when handling the lights. I am just giving information that I feel is important. Hang your lights however you feel you need to, but please do not allow your children or someone else's children to needlessly be exposed, even if the risk is minimal.

[ubelzwilling]

on 11/29/2008 If you wrap your gloved hands in duct tape, and afterward irradiate your hands after washing them--well, actually, you won't add any more seconds to your life than putting gloves on.

I'm glad I grew up in the Seventies and Eighties, when apparently everyone was a daredevil, and we're all thankful to even be alive today.

[sanehuman]

on 11/29/2008 Seriously? Wear gloves while handling the lights AND wash thoroughly when through? Because there is lead in the wires??

Last time I checked, the wires were coated in heavy plastic, and there was NO danger of any lead getting through there....