Don't Let Your Tree be the Grinch That Stole Christmas!

Many common irritants come out to join the festivities during the holidays.  Mold and dust show up as much as relatives.

When you are decking your halls, you are also dusting off the decorations from last year releasing mold and dust into the air. There are various ways to release mold into the air, such as improper storage of cardboard boxes or leaving water in the tree holder.

TIP: A simple remedy to dusty, moldy boxes are reusable plastic tubs!

What’s green and festive and makes you sneeze?  Christmas Trees are for many the first sign of the holiday sneezon, I mean season. 

Christmas Tree Syndrome?  It is not as pleasant as it sounds.

So called Christmas Tree Syndrome can cause wheezing, coughing, itchy nose, watery eyes, fatigue and problems sleeping-triggered by breathing in mold spores from the mold growing on Christmas trees.  Mold grows on trees naturally but proliferates once the tree is in your toasty, warm home.

Don’t let your tree become the Grinch that Stole Christmas! Your tree will not necessarily make you sick but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the spread of mold in your home.

*Check with the nursery where you buy your tree. Some have tree washing services available. If not, clean the tree yourself. Use a garden hose to spray the tree and allow it to dry before bringing it into the house.

*Don’t leave the tree up too long. Some evidence suggests the longer the tree is in the house and the warmer the environment, the more spores are released into the air.

*Use an air purifier in the same room as the tree to help remove allergens.

Using a fake tree can be a solution but won’t necessarily eliminate the problem because artificial trees can also introduce mold and dust into the home if they are stored improperly.

With some simple precautions you can breathe easier this holiday season.

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Holidays from our home to yours!