A recent research has shown that there are
health reactions to the seasonal feature,
which might look harmless, but could end up
causing life-threatening pneumonia.
If you are thinking of switching to an artificial
tree, beware of its layer of dust which may
cause a set of its own problems.
Experts say the runny nose and cough that
many of us associate with this time of year
may well be caused by the mould harboured
by the tree. Further studies reveal that the longer your
tree is up, the worse you could feel.
Research says that 35 per cent of people
surveyed suffer from an increase of hay fever-
like symptoms over the festive season, with
pine Christmas trees causing most of the
problems.
According to a recent poll for Prevalin Allergy
(dubbed Christmas tree syndrome), symptoms
include itchy nose, watery eyes, wheezing,
coughing, chest pains, lethargy and insomnia.
Complicated cases of the allergy may lead to
pneumonia and if not properly handled, death.
Scientists from Upstate Medical University,
part of the State University of New York, found
that when they analysed pine needles and bark
from 28 Christmas trees, they found 53 cases
of mould.
According to them, this mould releases spores
that can trigger allergic reactions in people
who are susceptible.
Dr Lawrence Kurlandsky, who conducted the
research, said in his report: “If you and your
children don’t have any obvious allergies, Some of the signs are if you suddenly have an
asthma attack after the tree is brought
indoors or if your nose suddenly starts running
and you are sneezing, even though you don’t
feel as if you have a cold.
For some people the effects of the mould can
be severe. In around one in 500 people, such
as those with a compromised immune system.
The mould will settle and grow inside their
airways, and will cause the sudden onset of a
cough and fatigue that won’t shift.
A spokesman for the London allergy clinic
said: “Someone with a lot of allergies can
react to simply the smell of the Christmas
tree, which comes from the pine resin, and it
can trigger sneezes and wheezes in some
people.
“Also, if someone already has a respiratory
allergy – such as to a pet or dust mites –
then the lining of their nose is already over-
secreting and sensitive and the mould on the
Christmas tree may make the symptoms of
their normal allergy worse.
Recommendations
Experts recommend spraying your tree with a
mild bleach solution just before you take the
tree into the house, as this will help kill off the
mould.
If you are suffering from mild sneezes or just
a bit of a runny nose, then take
antihistamines.
Nasal sprays are the best because they work
directly on the nasal passages where the
allergic reaction to the mould is triggered.
Allergens expert, Max Wiseberg said “If you
have stored your tree since last year, it will
have accumulated a layer of dust which will
be dispersed when it is disturbed.
“So consider how your store your artificial tree
when it’s not in use – packing it away in a
sealed box will mean less dust accumulates.
“Also, give it a good clean when you get it out
of storage – ideally outside or away from the
living room, so that you’re not simply
displacing the dust around the room.
“Hosing down your tree before taking it into
the house, or after getting it out of storage,
can help get rid of some of the mould and
spores – though it’s probably best to get
someone who isn’t allergic to do this!

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