Watch Out for Lead on Christmas Lights

With all the lead turning up in toys this year, it is important to be aware of other sources of lead. Christmas light strands are almost always made with lead, even the new LED ones. California requires that they are marked with warnings so most of the new boxes will have this warning somewhere on the box.

If you have young children, it is best to keep them entirely away from Christmas lights, because of the lead AND the electricity. If older children are going to help with the lights, be sure to have them wash their hands and change their clothes afterwards. Another possible source of lead poisoning can be from older ornaments, especially painted or metallic ones.

Jess in Oregon