Your Holiday Decorations Could Be Making You Sneeze!
It's called Christmas Tree yndrome. Here's what you should know...
Millions used their thanksgiving week to put up their Christmas decorations. If you’ve been sneezing since, you may be having a reaction not just from the dust but also from some of the boxes and items inside them. Trees, decorations and candles around our homes can be harmful for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. It’s called Christmas tree syndrome. Here’s what you should know…
Your artificial tree is likely full of dust if you didn’t wrap it last year. Take it outside and dust it off. Live trees can harbor mold and pollen. Consider hosing it off and let it dry before you bring it inside. Wear gloves to protect from sap, and wipe the trunk with 1 part bleach, 20 parts water.
Dust off the decorations If you’ve stored them in the basement or attic, mold and dust mites may be an issue. Wipe those decorations off thoroughly with a damp cloth. After the holidays, pack decorations in plastic bags, or bins, not cardboard which is a breeding ground for mold growth.
Consider all the scented sprays and flocking. They can be irritating to noses and throats and make respiratory issues worse. Instead, try a natural potpourri. And examine your candles. petroleum-based ones produce soot and other gasses that are not good for us. Look for candles made from soy, hemp or beeswax or opt for battery operated ones.
Here’s something you may not have considered about another holiday staple, the poinsettias could be a big trigger for those with respiratory issues. They are members of the rubber tree family which means anyone allergic to latex could react with a rash to severe breathing problems. The plants should be kept where the pets can’t get a hold of them, as they are mildly toxic to dogs and cats too.
AdvantaClean, a national franchise of indoor air quality, contributed to this article.
