Christmas Tree Allergies: Taking the "Merry" Out of Christmas

Though live Christmas trees are fragrant and beautiful, they can cause problems. What appears to be winter sniffles, may actually be an allergic reaction. Studies have shown that Christmas tree allergies are prevalent, because they are a source of mold spores, and the spore count grows with each passing day that the tree is in the house. Allergic symptoms include nasal, eye and throat irritation, stuffiness of the nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, sinus problems and skin rashes. Research has also established a connection between asthma attacks and mold. For those with compromised immune systems, there is a risk of invasive fungal disease as well. (Ho-Ho-Ho Merry Christmas!)

According to Dr. Mercola, of The Optimal Wellness Center, since mold grows in moist environments, it should be no surprise that Christmas trees are a prime target. Most trees are cut far in advance of Christmas, then placed in moist surroundings to keep them fresh. The buyer then places the tree in water for a couple of weeks, inside the home, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold spores are very hardy and difficult to destroy, even with bleach.

Another source of allergen is tree pollen. During late November, Mountain Cedars bear pollen, but the Scotch Pines, and Douglas Firs that are so popular, don't pollinate in the winter. (One person out of ten is allergic to Mountain Cedar Pollen.) Tree resins and sap can also sometimes cause contact allergies.

The risks can be reduced greatly by taking a few precautions. To remove pollen from your real tree, spray it outside with a garden hose. Place the stump in a container of water, and allow the rest of the tree to dry completely (in the sun preferably) before bringing it inside. There are fungicides that can be used, but many are toxic and can also aggravate allergies or cause respiratory problems. When handling a live tree, be sure to wear a long sleeved shirt and gloves, to prevent sap and resins from irritating the skin.

Artificial trees can also be a source of mold and dust, if not stored properly. Some experts recommend hosing down the artificial tree as well, or you can also use a damp cloth to clean its branches. Wear gloves and an allergy relief mask, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Make sure that all lights and ornaments are free of dust and mold, as many are stored in damp basements, or warm, humid attics. Dust mites or molds can trigger allergies, when unpacking the ornaments, or your artificial tree. So again, be sure and wash your hands promptly. Use of an air purifier may also be helpful during the holidays. If you are an occasional allergy sufferer, you may want to go back on your medications, during the Christmas season.

According to the American Chronicle, Christmas tree allergies are very common. As soon as the trees go up, emergency rooms and doctors' offices start getting an increase in patients. The symptoms tend to disappear when the trees come down.

So don't let the ghosts (allergies) of Christmas past, make you miserable again this year. Follow the guidelines in this article, and you can be merry once again!

Sources: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/11/27/are-christmas-trees-a-source-of-indoor-mold.aspx
http://www.achooallergy.com/common-holiday-allergies.asp
http://www.entdocs.com/allergy_free_holiday.htm
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=3974
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ACAAI/tb/7360