Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in a Majority of Seasonal Holiday Décor Products; No Improvement in String Lights or Beaded Garlands
HealthyStuff.org tested 69 seasonal holiday products purchased in November 2014 from major retailers. More than two-thirds of the products contained at least one hazardous chemical at levels of concern. Beaded garlands were found to contain a multitude of toxic contaminants, mirroring the results from our 2013 study of beaded garlands. Light strings were also compared to an earlier study by HealthyStuff.org. The 2014 lights—including lights attached to decorations--commonly showed high levels of lead and bromine, as did the 2010 study.
For 2014, we expanded the test categories to include, in addition to beaded garlands: tinsel garlands, artificial wreaths and greenery, stockings, figurines and other tabletop decorations, and gift bags.