This Christmas tree mistake could lead to serious health problems
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The holiday season is full of joy, laughter, and celebration—but did you know that hidden dangers could put a damper on your festivities?
It’s important to be aware of what might be lurking in your home and how it could affect your health.
If you want to make sure your holiday stays merry and bright, keep reading to discover what experts recommend.
Health experts had sounded the alarm about the potential health hazards hidden in homes, warning that the festive season could become a nightmare for those with asthma and allergies.
The phenomenon, dubbed ‘Christmas tree syndrome’, had been linked to a range of symptoms, from itchy eyes and a runny nose to rashes and even breathing difficulties.
The festive staple that many locals loved so much—Christmas trees—were not just cheerful decorations; they came with hidden dangers.
Experts noted that trees could carry over 50 types of mould and other allergens, potentially triggering severe respiratory reactions. The longer these trees remained in the home, the higher the risk of health problems.
A viral post by Tanja Bentley Ward had shed light on this issue. After washing her artificial tree in the basin, she shared the unsettling results on social media with the caption, ‘Have you ever cleaned your Christmas tree? Ours was much worse than I thought.’
The risk wasn’t limited to artificial trees; real ones were not off the hook either. Cypress and pine trees, popular choices for Christmas, were known for harbouring pollen—the bane of hay fever sufferers.
A survey by the National Asthma Council Australia had revealed that nearly 90 per cent of people with allergies reported worsening symptoms when near a real tree.
Artificial trees had their own set of issues. According to Professor Yuben Moodley from the Institute for Respiratory Health, ‘They’re usually stored in garages or cupboards, where dust, mould and other allergens build up.’
‘When unpacked, these particles are released into the air and can cause discomfort or even severe reactions.’
Even ornaments and tinsel weren’t innocent. ‘We often don’t think about the dust and mould that collect on ornaments and tinsel over time, but these can trigger asthma or hay fever too,’ said Moodley.
To avoid these risks, it was recommended to give real trees a thorough hose down before decorating them and to let them dry completely.
Storing them in a cool space would help limit mould growth, and moving them to the porch after Christmas was a practical solution for those who wanted to enjoy them longer.
For artificial trees, it was advised to shake them out and clean them using a vacuum or a damp cloth before putting them up.
To prevent allergen build-up for future seasons, storing trees and decorations in airtight plastic containers was crucial.
Moodley’s final tip was simple but essential: ‘Taking these precautions can help make the festive season safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with asthma and allergies.’
In a previous story, we explored the top budget-friendly Christmas tree options from popular stores like Kmart, ALDI, and Bunnings, comparing quality, price, and festive appeal.
If you’re looking to make your holiday budget stretch further without sacrificing style, you’ll want to check out the surprising winner we found. Read the full article here.
Have you ever considered how your Christmas tree or decorations could impact your health? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
It’s important to be aware of what might be lurking in your home and how it could affect your health.
If you want to make sure your holiday stays merry and bright, keep reading to discover what experts recommend.
Health experts had sounded the alarm about the potential health hazards hidden in homes, warning that the festive season could become a nightmare for those with asthma and allergies.
The phenomenon, dubbed ‘Christmas tree syndrome’, had been linked to a range of symptoms, from itchy eyes and a runny nose to rashes and even breathing difficulties.
The festive staple that many locals loved so much—Christmas trees—were not just cheerful decorations; they came with hidden dangers.
Experts noted that trees could carry over 50 types of mould and other allergens, potentially triggering severe respiratory reactions. The longer these trees remained in the home, the higher the risk of health problems.
A viral post by Tanja Bentley Ward had shed light on this issue. After washing her artificial tree in the basin, she shared the unsettling results on social media with the caption, ‘Have you ever cleaned your Christmas tree? Ours was much worse than I thought.’
The risk wasn’t limited to artificial trees; real ones were not off the hook either. Cypress and pine trees, popular choices for Christmas, were known for harbouring pollen—the bane of hay fever sufferers.
A survey by the National Asthma Council Australia had revealed that nearly 90 per cent of people with allergies reported worsening symptoms when near a real tree.
Artificial trees had their own set of issues. According to Professor Yuben Moodley from the Institute for Respiratory Health, ‘They’re usually stored in garages or cupboards, where dust, mould and other allergens build up.’
‘When unpacked, these particles are released into the air and can cause discomfort or even severe reactions.’
Even ornaments and tinsel weren’t innocent. ‘We often don’t think about the dust and mould that collect on ornaments and tinsel over time, but these can trigger asthma or hay fever too,’ said Moodley.
To avoid these risks, it was recommended to give real trees a thorough hose down before decorating them and to let them dry completely.
Storing them in a cool space would help limit mould growth, and moving them to the porch after Christmas was a practical solution for those who wanted to enjoy them longer.
For artificial trees, it was advised to shake them out and clean them using a vacuum or a damp cloth before putting them up.
To prevent allergen build-up for future seasons, storing trees and decorations in airtight plastic containers was crucial.
Moodley’s final tip was simple but essential: ‘Taking these precautions can help make the festive season safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with asthma and allergies.’
In a previous story, we explored the top budget-friendly Christmas tree options from popular stores like Kmart, ALDI, and Bunnings, comparing quality, price, and festive appeal.
If you’re looking to make your holiday budget stretch further without sacrificing style, you’ll want to check out the surprising winner we found. Read the full article here.
Have you ever considered how your Christmas tree or decorations could impact your health? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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for the first time. He had a severe allergic reaction to it, was taken to the ER, and treated. Because he had private medical insurance, he was transferred to a private hospital for observation for a few days. Whilst there, his larynx became severely swollen and he couldn’t breathe at all. As there was no in-house doctor on duty, he had a cardiac arrest, and died. Had he have been in the Public Hospital, he most certainly would have survived, but it was not to be. Instead of certain Christmas that year, the family attended his funeral. Something to keep in mind. It’s not always bad, to be in the public system sometimes. Gezabel.
I’m no longer that into Christmas but might have to adapt, again! 
