Holiday decorations could contain lead

by BETH WHEELOCK Friday, Nov. 27, 2009

If you're putting up holiday lights this weekend, you might want to check the label to see if your Christmas lights contain lead.

Tim Banwell, environmental health director with the Rock County Health Department, says the hazard posed by lead in Christmas lights isn't as serious as lead paint in older homes. However, he recommends homes with small children keep those lights out of reach of children or keep them outdoors. If children come into contact with decorations containing lead, Banwell says a thorough hand-washing should take care of potential problems.

He says pediatricians usually test children under six years of age for blood-lead levels.

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