The holiday season is a time for warm lights, cozy gatherings, and the unmistakable scent of pine filling the home. But what happens when that festive cheer also brings on watery eyes, sneezing, and congestion?
If you find yourself feeling under the weather for unexplained reasons every December, your Christmas tree might be the culprit. Luckily, this has a name, Christmas Tree Syndrome, and is more common than most people realise.
Let’s unwrap what is really going with Christmas trees and how you can keep your holidays merry, bright and symptom-free.
“Christmas Tree Syndrome” refers to the allergic reaction some people may experience that is triggered by mold, pollen, and dust that hitches a ride on your Christmas tree, whether it’s real or fake. This specific term was coined after doctors began noticing the pattern of patients developing cold-like symptoms shortly after bringing a Christmas tree indoors.
In more severe cases, especially for those with asthma or mold allergies, these symptoms can worsen and even escalate to difficulty with breathing. While it might feel like a regular winter cold, it’s really your body reacting to the allergens associated with the most common and beloved Christmas decor.
Yes! Both real Christmas trees and artificial ones can cause issues, both for slightly different reasons.
Real Christmas trees can bring the outdoors inside, in more ways than one. Mold spores, pollen, and even insect debris can stick to the branches and bark. The longer a live tree stays indoors, the more time mold spores have to grow.
Fake Christmas trees are primarily made from metals and plastics, the most common being PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is used for the needles to make it look more realistic, and can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over time, dust and mold can accumulate, especially if the tree is stored in a damp or poorly ventilated environment, such as a garage or basement.
There are a few culprits that may be causing the cold-like/allergy symptoms you’re experiencing:
Real Christmas trees that are grown outside naturally harbour mold spores. When the tree is brought into a warm and cozy home, otherwise the perfect environment for mold growth, these spores can rapidly multiple.
Even though it’s winter and we don’t think about pollen until the springtime, some species of trees, such as pine, spruce and fir, can still release pollen or resinous sap that can be irritable to sensitive individuals.
Artificial Christmas trees aren’t off the hook! After being in storage for months, and being reused for years, they can accumulate dust, mold, and even some chemical residue, depending on the state of the storage area. When you unpack or unbox your tree, all those irritants are then released into the air, potentially triggering an allergic reaction.
Thankfully, you don’t have to give up your tree altogether. With a few preventative steps, you can enjoy your holiday decor without worrying about sniffles and sneezing.
Before bringing your tree inside, give it a good shake outside to remove any potential loos debris and insects. If possible, give it a rinse with a hose and let it dry fully before bringing it inside.
Try not to keep your Christmas tree up for more than two weeks. The longer it stays inside, the higher the chance of rapid mold growth.
HEPA filters can help trap airborne mold spores and pollen, keeping your indoor air cleaner.
Mold thrives in high humid areas, so making sure your humidity levels are around 30-50% can help keep mold growth at bay. Using a dehumidifier can help keep your home’s air drier during the holiday season.
Wipe down the branches and ornaments that have been stored with a damp cloth to remove any dust before you set it up. Make sure to avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can leave a residue and release VOCs.
Keep your tree stored in a sealed and dry container, like a plastic tote, rather than the cardboard box it came in, which can absorb moisture and foster mold.
Some artificial trees are pre-scented to mimic a real pine tree, or people may use sprays to create the illusion of a real tree, but these fragrances can trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to them.
Vacuuming around the tree often can help capture dust and allergens that are stirred up while decorating.
If these cold-like symptoms and allergies persist beyond the holiday season, or worsen when you’re indoors at your home, it may be time to reach out to got mold?™ and consult an indoor air quality professional.
Our certified inspectors can test your homes indoor air quality for mold and other contaminates, helping you identify whether your Christmas tree, or something else, is causing the problem. If mold contamination is found from test results professional remediation can ensure your home stays healthy and safe long after the seasonal decor comes down.
Your Christmas tree should be a source of joy, not sniffles. By understanding Christmas Tree Syndrome and taking steps to reduce allergens, you can still enjoy your traditions without the seasonal symptoms.
Whether you prefer the smell of fresh pine or the convenience of a pre-lit artificial tree, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your air clear and your holiday spirit strong.
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