About 12,000 people in the United States make emergency trips to the hospital in November and December due to decoration-related accidents each year. The holiday season isn't the only time you have to worry about decorating dangers, however. Painting, decorating and remodeling hazards are attributed to health problems and fires year-round.
Lead Paint
If you are painting or redecorating a home that was build before 1978, there is a chance the property was originally painted with lead-based paint. Removing lead-based paint improperly is dangerous because paint chips and dust containing lead are highly toxic. Children with high levels of lead in their bodies may suffer from brain damage, hearing problems and headaches; develop learning or behavioral problems; or experience slow growth. Lead poisoning in adults has been linked to high blood pressure, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain and reproductive problems.
Holiday Decorating Hazards
Christmas trees are blamed for hundreds of fires and an average of 17 deaths each year, according to officials with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You can help prevent Christmas tree fires by purchasing a fresh tree; trees are most flammable when they are dried out. You also want to keep your tree a safe distance from any heating source and maintain the water level in the tree stand.
Candles
If you decide to use candles as home décor accents or holiday decorations, take care to avoid fires. According to the CPSC, candle-related residential fires cause 150 deaths each year and result in $385 million in property damage. It is recommended that all lighted candles be extinguished before you leave the room and before you go to bed. Place candles a safe distance from flammable items such as trees and curtains.
