Your Christmas Tree Might Be Making You Feel Unwell This Season
Your festive tree could be the culprit behind unexpected allergies this holiday season, so be cautious and stay informed
Christmas Tree, Allergies, Mould, Susan Waserman, McMaster University, Winter, Canada
Hamilton: Have you ever thought your lovely Christmas tree could be making you sick? It’s a real possibility. Those trees can carry allergens that might surprise you.
When trees are cut, they often sit in cool, damp places, which is perfect for mould to grow. Plus, they pick up dust and pollen from outside, and all that stuff comes into your home.
Allergist Susan Waserman from McMaster University says most folks think it’s just pine pollen causing issues. But actually, it’s often mould and other particles that are the real troublemakers.
Thinking about a fake tree instead? Well, it depends on how you store it. If it’s kept in a damp spot, it can also develop mould. So, even fake trees aren’t completely safe.
To keep your home allergy-free, Susan suggests washing your real tree before bringing it inside. Give it a good shake to get rid of any allergens. And if you have a fake tree, make sure it’s clean and stored properly.
Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself. There are great treatments for allergies and asthma, so use them if you need to, especially during the holidays.
For more tips on avoiding Christmas tree allergies, check out the video above!