Why am I being warned about potential exposure to chemicals in holiday lights?
- Some holiday lights may contain chemicals that are on the Proposition 65 list because they can cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.
Some holiday lights may expose you to chemicals on the Proposition 65 list.
HOLIDAY
LIGHTS
Specifically, some holiday lights that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating on their wires, cables, and cords can expose you to one or more of the following listed chemicals:
- Lead, a metal used in some PVC coatings of wires, cables, and cords to make them more durable.
- Phthalates, a family of chemicals that are added to some PVC coatings of wires, cables, and cords to make them more flexible and durable.
How does exposure to these Proposition 65 chemicals occur from holiday lights?
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During pregnancy, these chemicals can pass from mother to baby.
How can I reduce my exposure to these chemicals in holiday lights?
- After setting up or removing holiday lights, wash your hands and your child’s hands, especially before preparing food, and before eating.
- Make sure young children do not play with holiday lights or put them in their mouths.
- Try to choose holiday lights that are labeled “lead-free.”
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
