The dangers of Christmas lights - Saskatoon photographers

We have all seen it...  That cute shot of the baby wrapped up in Christmas lights that would make such an adorable Christmas card to hand out to all of your family and friends.  While I get asked to do this shot all the time, it is somewhat bothersome to me.  First of all, tying your baby up in anything just seems wrong and very dangerous.  I don't care if mom and dad are right there watching. What happens if mom and dad leave the room for a couple of minutes and the child finds something to tie themselves up with (hey, mom and dad did it to me for that photo shoot, and it was so much fun!).  While these risks aren't worth it to me, it was brought to my attention just how dangerous Christmas lights are. 

In an article published by CNN, it outlines the dangers of Christmas lights.  The information is actually jaw dropping and will force you thoroughly wash your hands after handling them, let alone let your small child put them in their mouths.  While you can read the full article here:  http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/10/christmas.lights/.  These stats were the most shocking to me:

"Manufacturers do not hide the fact that lead is part of the PVC insulation that insulates Christmas light wiring. Lead is used legally to stabilize polyvinyl chloride so it does not crack or crumble with age. The lead also acts as a fire retardant....   Dr. Trasande said: "Even at one microgram/deciliter -- the lowest level in a person's blood stream that we can detect -- that level has been associated with cognitive impairment in children." In the four brands of lights tested, Quantex found surface lead levels far exceeding the CPSC's recommended children's limit of 15 micrograms."

I have thrown all of my light boxes out, however, I've been told it states right on the box that lights should not be handled by pregnant women and children and any adult handling them should wear gloves. 

Why yes, that shot is quite adorable of the little kids all wrapped up in Christmas lights until you find out the dangers of handling them.  Photographers, if you have a client request this, please, please educate them in the dangers of handling Christmas lights.  And to the general public, please don't let your children handle Christmas lights, and never ever tie your child up in them, no matter how cute the photo op.  Now that you know the dangers, please pass along this very important information to everyone you know!  Children's safety is number one, and it's our responsibility as photographers to keep our clients safe.

As a photographer, I can't do a post without a photo... so here is a shot of one of my adorable little clients....