Christmas trees linked to illnesses over the festive period, according to scientists
Christmas trees could be the reason behind you and your child’s illnesses this festive season, according to new research.
Breathing in spores found on mould growing on Christmas trees causes ‘Christmas tree syndrome.’ The condition has been linked with symptoms including wheezing, coughing, watery eyes, itchy noses, fatigue and sleeping problems by scientists from Upstate Medical University, part of the State University of New York.
The researchers found 53 cases of mould after analysing clippings from 28 Christmas trees.From these cases, they discovered 70% can cause symptoms that could lead to respiratory illnesses.
Although mould grows on trees naturally, it multiplies when in a warm living room at Christmas.
Researchers also mentioned another study that found that the number of airbourne mould spores increases from 800 per 35 cubic feet to 5,000 per 35 cubic feet after a Christmas tree has been displayed for two weeks.
However, parents should know there’s no need to quickly throw away their much-loved decorative trees and ruin the little one’s Christmas. “If you and your children don’t have any obvious allergies, then it is probably not going to bother you,” said lead researcher Dr Lawrence Kurlandsky.
If your family does have allergies, Dr Lawrence has provided some advice to avoid Christmas Tree Syndrome.
- Wash your tree by hosing it down in the garden. Leave it to dry before bringing inside the house
- Remove the tree straight away after Christmas Day
- Use air purifier in the same room as the tree to remover allergens from the air
- Go for an artificial tree. One of those times when fake is better!
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