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You are here: Experts > Industry > Industrial Health and Safety > Occupational (OSHA) and Environmental Hazards > Electric lights
Expert: Sandy Brown, CHSP - 11/5/2009
Question
QUESTION: I have a question about the environmental risk that is lead. In our home, we have Christmas lights that contain lead. Recently, I saw someone in my home very briefly touch a large box in which Christmas tree decorations are stored. I said nothing about it, but in my mind it's been driving me crazy. Is there any risk of lead poisoning or am I just being paranoid?
ANSWER: Hi Erick,
Maybe a bit paranoid. We all have lights, ornaments, etc in our homes that still contain lead. If someone touches them, or as we touch all of them when we decorate our homes, we will not sustain lead poisoning. Unless you put them in your mouth and suck on them. Which is precisely what children do, and even pets.
Put up and enjoy your lights! Then, wash your hands, sit down, and relax.
Happy Holidays!
All my best,
Sandy
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: What if the person in question didn't wash their hands for several hours after touching the box. It was a very brief moment, not even a second, but still... can lead particles still be spread around causing a slight risk?
Answer
Hi Erick,
Thanks for the follow up question. I really want to try to put your mind at ease. Even in the scenario you describe, I suppose there is a very, very slight risk, BUT, we expose ourselves to more toxicants just by living!
So, again, I want you to try to relax on this issue. Remind folks to wash their hands as a precaution.
The person who would touch a box and sit around for several hours would 99.9% chance not suffer any ill effects unless he/she had some wild allergy or sensitivity to lead.
I would not worry about this as much as you do, Erick. I'm more concerned with your sense of peace!
Try to enjoy your life without all the worry. If we worried about all of our exposures in our daily life, we would never be happy.
Many blessings to you!
Sandy
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