Twenty-two models of lights used for decorating Christmas trees have been withdrawn from sale in various parts of the country due to safety concerns and have been added to the ‘alert’ list of dangerous products by the consumer protection organisation FACUA-Consumidores en Acción.
The problems relate to lights where the cables are far too thin and contravene EU regulations, have poor connections, have no protection against humidity and are mechanically weak.
The EU estimates that around 30% of Christmas lights sold in the EU are sub-standard and present a hazard for electric shocks, burns or fire. Many such lights are handled by children and most are left on for long periods and unattended.