Christmas trees are an essential part of many families during the Christmas season. However, they can also pose various health risks.
December is the time when everyone prepares to celebrate Christmas. When we think of Christmas, it’s hard to overlook the image of a Christmas tree. Thus, it’s easy to see many families starting to set up their trees to bring the festive Christmas atmosphere into their homes.
A Christmas tree is an indispensable decoration during the holiday season.
Wealthier families may opt for a real tree, while others might choose artificial ones. However, if you belong to the group that prefers to display a real Christmas tree indoors, you might want to reconsider. This is because, according to a recent study from the UK, you may be at high risk of experiencing a rather uncomfortable condition known as Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Specifically, experts from the UK Asthma Organization report that each year, around 300 people are hospitalized during the Christmas season with symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy nose, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. These are also the symptoms of “Christmas Tree Syndrome.”
So what is the cause? According to Dr. Andy Whittamore, the culprit is the various types of fungi that live on Christmas trees.
“Every home has a lot of fungi, and few people are aware that mold also naturally grows on Christmas trees.”
“The situation worsens if the house has a heating system. A warm environment promotes faster mold growth, making allergies more likely.”
If someone in your home has asthma, you should avoid having a real Christmas tree indoors.
Numerous articles and studies over the past decade indicate that Christmas trees are a “hotbed” of mold that can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems and ruin the joyful moments of the holiday season.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), “If your allergies occur year-round, you may be allergic to mold spores or other types of fungi.”
Mold spores come in various shapes and sizes and are always present in our environment—both indoors and outdoors. Mold spores become hazardous when they reach a certain level, potentially causing allergic individuals to experience worsened asthma symptoms.
In a separate study from Upstate Medical University (USA), experts analyzed 28 samples of Christmas trees and identified up to 53 species of fungi. Of these, 70% could cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Some even pose risks to the lungs and bronchi.
According to Dr. Lawrence Kurlandsky, the author of the study, they noticed an unusual spike in respiratory-related hospitalizations before and after Christmas. The ultimate cause was identified as “Christmas Tree Syndrome.”
Of course, everyone’s immune system is different. If you or your family members have a history of asthma or have sensitive conditions, it might be wise to consider switching to an artificial Christmas tree to enjoy a complete Christmas season.
