Think your allergies and asthma get worse once you bring that fresh pine tree indoors during the holidays? It may be more than just your imagination. People for years have suspected that along with that fresh pine scent, an indoor freshly cut Christmas tree worsened allergy symptoms, but the reason wasn't completely clear. Possibilities included pollen, mold spores and strong odors emitted from the tree.
The problem is likely due to mold allergy. Researchers have found that after 2 weeks of being indoors, a live Christmas tree emits significant amounts of mold spores into the air. In fact, the amount of mold spores found in a home with a Christmas tree is nearly 10 times the amount of mold normally found inside. People who suffer from mold allergies may want to limit the amount of time a Christmas tree is kept indoors (such as less than 2 weeks), or consider using an artificial tree.
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I can attest to the mold issue with Xmas trees. I was sick for 3 weeks on Christmas and the doctor tried all kinds of antibiotics and nothing worked–until the day my husband carried the tree outside. I’m not kidding–within 10 minutes I could breath again. I later had testing done and I am allergic to mold.