Lead Found
in Artificial Christmas Trees

November 16, 1999 -The Christmas Tree Farmers of New York advise you to be aware that artificial trees contain hazardous amounts of lead, PVC's and other chemicals that may be harmful to both health and the environment.

Otti O'Neill, Vice President of the Christmas Tree Farmers of New York reports that an independent study was conducted by the Institute for Air and Environment in Gothenburg Sweden, which found that the average plastic tree contains 68 grams of lead.  "This finding could lead to health problems (lead poisoning) in children that chew or consume parts of the plastic tree or ingest "dust particles" that slough off older plastic trees," reports O'Neill.

"The study also found that processing of the plastic trees and the eventual disposal by burning releases many dangerous products into the environment such as PVC's and dioxin, which have been linked to birth defects, testicular cancer and many other health related problems," says O'Neill.

In New York, it is still prohibited to display a live tree in public buildings, and until that law has been changed you will find plastic trees in areas where children are present," O'Neill said.  "Fortunately, you have a safe, environmentally-friendly choice.  You can continue your holiday traditions by using and recycling a naturally-grown Real Christmas Tree.  For example, a classroom could decorate and display our symbol of the season outside their building while learning how to clean up our environment of non-biodegradable petroleum by-products such as a plastic tree."

Real Christmas trees are made of 100% biodegradable materials made by nature and grown by New York Farmers who replace every tree cut to continue the cycle.  Every tree grown provides enough oxygen for 18 people, something a plastic tree cannot do.

"The safe choice for you and your family this holiday season is a fresh, natural real tree.  Aren't our kids worth it?" asks O'Neill.

Press Release From the Christmas Tree Farmers of New York
Contact.  Otti O'Neill, Vice President (607)936-4737

Article reprinted with permission of Otti O'Neill, Vice President of Christmas Tree Farmers of New York, (607)936-4737