Could Your Illinois Christmas Tree Be Making You Sick?

Did you know Christmas trees can have hidden health hazards you need to avoid this holiday season?

Christmas Rush in Illinois

Mid-November through December is hands down my absolute favorite time of the year, but it is also crazy busy. Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, crafting, and celebrating I have noticed one disturbing trend recurring the last couple of years; a December sickness.

It never fails, a week or so before Christmas I usually fall victim to a nasty cold which I have always attributed to not getting enough rest, but what if it is something else?

What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome?

When I first heard the possibility that my December sickness issues could be caused by the beloved Christmas trees I have in several rooms of my home, I thought "no way", but it turns out "Christmas Tree Syndrome" is a very real thing.

According to the American Christmas Tree Association;

Christmas trees are known to often carry microscopic mold spores that can exacerbate allergy symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes and an itchy nose.

Apparently these mold spores thrive in the warm, indoor environments of our homes and when released into the air, they can trigger reactions that people often mistake for colds or seasonal allergies, AND live Christmas trees aren't the only culprits. Artificial trees can cause the symptoms too due to the large amounts of dust and mold they can hold if not stored properly.

How to Prevent Christmas Tree Syndrome

Before you start ripping down your beautifully decorated trees so they don't make you sick, there are a few things you can do to prevent falling victim to Christmas Tree Syndrome:

1. Clean Your Tree: Before bringing a live tree indoors, give it a good shake or blow it off with a leaf blower. If it's a live tree, wipe the trunk with a bleach solution and let it dry thoroughly before bringing it in doors.
2. Limit Indoor Time: Don’t keep a live tree in your home for more than a couple of weeks. The longer it stays, the more spores can accumulate.
3. Store Artificial Trees Properly: Make sure to store your tree in a dry, sealed container and blow off all the dust before setting it up.
4. Use an Air Purifier: An air purifier can help reduce airborne allergens and keep you breathing easy.

Here's hoping you have a very merry, and congestion free Christmas!