Christmas Trees: A Source of Joy and Trouble for Your Indoor Air Quality

Many people love the tradition of bringing a live Christmas tree into their homes during the holiday season.

The fresh pine scent, the natural beauty, and the festive spirit are all part of the appeal. But did you know that live Christmas trees can also affect your indoor air chemistry, and potentially pose a risk for your health and home?

Live Christmas trees can harbor mold, pollen, and other allergens

(Photo : BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the main problems with live Christmas trees is that they can carry a variety of allergens, such as mold, pollen, dust, and insect droppings.

These allergens can accumulate on the tree while it is growing in the field or stored on the sales lot, and then be released into the air when the tree is brought indoors.

According to a study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, having a live tree in your home for two weeks can increase the number of mold spores in your home to over 5,000 per cubic meter, compared to the average healthy level of 500-700 per cubic meter.

Mold allergies can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin rashes. Mold exposure can also trigger asthma attacks or worsen existing respiratory conditions.

Pollen allergies can also be triggered by live Christmas trees, especially if they are from a different region than where you live. Pollen can cause similar symptoms as mold, and also lead to hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Dust and insect droppings can also contribute to indoor air pollution and cause allergic reactions or infections.

Also Read: Christmas Tree Syndrome: The Allergic Reaction That Causes Cold-Like Symptoms

Live Christmas trees can emit volatile organic compounds and increase fire risk

Another issue with live Christmas trees is that they can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature and can affect indoor air quality.

Some of the VOCs that live Christmas trees release are pinenes, which are responsible for the pine scent, but also can cause respiratory irritation or inflammation in some people.

Other VOCs that live Christmas trees can emit are terpenes, aldehydes, and ketones, which can react with other substances in the air and form ozone or other harmful compounds.

VOCs can also increase the risk of fire, as they are flammable and can ignite easily when exposed to heat or sparks. Live Christmas trees can become dry and brittle over time, especially if they are not watered regularly or kept away from heat sources. Dry trees can catch fire more easily than fresh ones, and can burn faster and hotter, creating a serious hazard for your home and family

How to prevent or reduce the impact of live Christmas trees on indoor air chemistry

If you still want to enjoy the benefits of having a live Christmas tree in your home, there are some steps you can take to prevent or reduce the impact of live Christmas trees on your indoor air chemistry.

Here are some tips:

Choose a fresh and healthy tree. Look for a tree that has green and flexible needles, and does not shed too many when you shake it or touch it. Avoid trees that have brown or dry needles, or signs of mold or insects.
Clean your tree before bringing it indoors. Use a hose or a spray bottle to wash off any dust, pollen, mold, or insect droppings from your tree. You can also use a mild soap or vinegar solution to disinfect your tree. Let your tree dry completely outside before bringing it indoors.
Keep your tree watered and cool. Make sure your tree has enough water in its stand, and check it daily. Watering your tree can help prevent it from drying out and releasing more VOCs or becoming a fire hazard. Also, keep your tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, or lights. Use LED lights instead of incandescent ones, as they produce less heat and use less energy.
Limit the time you have your tree indoors. The longer you have your tree indoors, the more allergens and VOCs it can release. Try to limit the time you have your tree indoors to no more than two weeks, and dispose of it properly after the holidays. Do not burn your tree in your fireplace or stove, as this can create more air pollution and fire risk.