Health experts have warned of a hidden health hazard lurking in homes across the country, making the holiday season miserable for people with asthma and allergies.
If you have itchy eyes, a runny nose, a rash, or even difficulty breathing, you may have been struck by “Christmas tree syndrome”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The Hidden Danger of Christmas Trees.
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Christmas trees – while a beloved part of the holidays – carry numerous allergens and 50 different types of mold that can cause serious respiratory problems.
Experts say the longer the decorations sit, the sicker you can get.
One woman washed her artificial tree in her basin and posted the grim results on social media.
“Have you cleaned your Christmas tree? Ours was much worse than I thought,” Tanya Bentley Ward wrote in the caption of the now-viral post.
And the problem is related to both real and artificial trees.
Real trees, including cypresses and the popular pine, carry the main enemy of any hay fever sufferer – pollen.
Nearly 90 percent of allergy sufferers say their symptoms get worse when they’re near one, a recent survey by the National Asthma Council of Australia found.
The Institute of Respiratory Health said artificial trees come with their own risks.
“They are usually stored in garages or cupboards where dust, mold and other allergens accumulate,” said Professor Euben Moodley.
“When unpacked, these particles are released into the air and can cause discomfort or even severe reactions.”
Even decorations can be a hazard.
“We often don’t think about the dust and mold that collects on ornaments and tinsel over time, but they can also trigger asthma or hay fever,” Moodley said.
A tip for people with a real Christmas tree is to hose it down to remove pollen and let it dry completely before decorating.
The tree should be kept in a cool place to limit mold growth and moved to the porch if you want to admire it after Christmas.
For artificial trees, shake and vacuum or clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and allergens before placing. The tree and decorations should be stored in airtight plastic containers to reduce allergen build-up for next Christmas.
“Taking these precautions can help make the holiday season safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with asthma and allergies,” Moodley said.
