One of the great debates of the holiday season has always been whether to invest in a fake tree or annually purchase a real tree.
Let's take a look at the safety concerns surrounding both types of trees:
Real trees
The North Carolina Consumers Council, an entity that focuses on consumer awareness and support, states that real trees tend to pose the highest number of hazards to homeowners. This includes not only fires, but also pests and messes. However, the council noted that proper care for real trees, such as only purchasing those that are still alive and fresh cut, as well as keeping them adequately watered, can reduce the risk of fires.
Fake trees
ZME Science, a website devoted to science, argued that artificial trees have actually been found to be more hazardous to the environment both because of the pollution they create, as well as the chemicals they contain. These trees do not pose as many risks to homeowners as real ones, and are far less likely to go up in flames, but can be hazardous when manufactured in dangerous fashions. When purchasing a fake tree, read the label to ensure it will not be dangerous for kids and pets to be around.
Regardless of which tree you purchase, the biggest concern should be fires. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration, the government entity devoted to emergency response, points out that the lights on a Christmas tree are the most dangerous hazard, accounting for one-third of relevant fires. Never leave the lights plugged in when you are not in the same room as the tree.
FEMA also urges homeowners to keep trees a safe distance from furnaces and any other sort of heat, as dangerous placement contributes to 25 percent of these fires.
At the end of the day, both styles of Christmas trees can be dangerous, and it is up to the consumer to be diligent and mindful when purchasing and caring for their artificial or authentic tree.
Be sure to follow these tips, and have a Merry Christmas!
Let's take a look at the safety concerns surrounding both types of trees:
Real trees
The North Carolina Consumers Council, an entity that focuses on consumer awareness and support, states that real trees tend to pose the highest number of hazards to homeowners. This includes not only fires, but also pests and messes. However, the council noted that proper care for real trees, such as only purchasing those that are still alive and fresh cut, as well as keeping them adequately watered, can reduce the risk of fires.
Fake trees
ZME Science, a website devoted to science, argued that artificial trees have actually been found to be more hazardous to the environment both because of the pollution they create, as well as the chemicals they contain. These trees do not pose as many risks to homeowners as real ones, and are far less likely to go up in flames, but can be hazardous when manufactured in dangerous fashions. When purchasing a fake tree, read the label to ensure it will not be dangerous for kids and pets to be around.
Regardless of which tree you purchase, the biggest concern should be fires. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration, the government entity devoted to emergency response, points out that the lights on a Christmas tree are the most dangerous hazard, accounting for one-third of relevant fires. Never leave the lights plugged in when you are not in the same room as the tree.
FEMA also urges homeowners to keep trees a safe distance from furnaces and any other sort of heat, as dangerous placement contributes to 25 percent of these fires.
At the end of the day, both styles of Christmas trees can be dangerous, and it is up to the consumer to be diligent and mindful when purchasing and caring for their artificial or authentic tree.
Be sure to follow these tips, and have a Merry Christmas!
