Thursday, December 13, 2007

Merry Christmas: Fake Trees May Contain Lead

Most of them come from China, of course.
As far as the environment goes, real Christmas trees are renewable. Growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest. There also are more than 500,000 acres of Christmas trees in the United States, providing enough oxygen for 9 million people a day. You can find a local recycling program by calling 1-800-CLEANUP or by entering your ZIP code on the Web site.

On the other branch, 85 percent of artificial trees sold in the United States are manufactured in China. Made of metals and plastic — typically polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a potential source of hazardous lead — fake trees take centuries to decompose and are usually tossed out after six to nine years. On the plus side, faux Christmas trees don't shed those pesky pine needles.
Speaking of dangerous products from China, there's yet another toy recall.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of 300,000 toys sold by stores owned by Dollar Trees Stores Inc., headquartered in Chesapeake.

The recall covers two toys – Baby Toys Baby Bead & Wire Toys and Speed Racer Pull Back & Go Action! Cars – both made in China. The toys are being recalled because of lead levels in excess of federal paint standards.
Whatever you do, folks, avoid buying the junk China is selling.

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