Is Christmas Tree Syndrome Real?

Key Takeaways

• Christmas Tree Syndrome is not a formal medical condition, but describes real allergy symptoms triggered by mould, dust or pollen on trees.

• Both real and artificial Christmas trees can cause reactions due to mould growth, dust buildup and storage conditions.

• Real trees often grow mould indoors because warm, humid environments activate dormant mould spores.

• Cleaning trees before bringing them indoors, improving ventilation and using antihistamines can help prevent symptoms.

• Seek urgent medical attention for breathing difficulties or swelling, and speak to a pharmacist or GP if allergy symptoms persist.

Is Christmas Tree Syndrome a Real Medical Condition?

Christmas tree syndrome is a term for allergic reactions or worsened allergy symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes, that occur when a person is around a real or artificial Christmas tree. It is not caused by the tree itself, but by allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust that accumulate on it. It is said to occur when the trees have been stored away in dusty environments for extended periods of time and not cleaned or replaced when re-used the following year. Symptoms range from mild respiratory issues to more severe asthma flare-ups, and can affect both real trees (from mold and pollen) and artificial trees (from dust and mold stored in them).

It is important to note that is not an official medical term or recognised condition, it describes a genuine cluster of allergic and respiratory symptoms triggered by real and artificial Christmas trees.

Can Artificial Christmas Trees Cause Allergies Too?

Yes, artificial Christmas trees can potentially cause allergies due to dust, mold, and chemicals they accumulate while in storage. When unpacked, these allergens are released into the air, triggering symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, even though the tree itself is the source of the irritation.

Artificial trees, decorations and flame retardant coatings on such items, when stored in garages or attics, can accumulate dust, dust mites, and mold spores over the year.

To prevent any such root causes of allergy flare up’s, the items should be packed and stored appropriately and then cleaned, wiped or vacuumed prior to being used as a display.

If such allergy symptoms still occur, then those affected should consult their Pharmacist or Doctor and can purchase over-the-counter treatments such as; oral antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.

Do Christmas Trees Really Grow Mould Indoors?

Yes, real Christmas trees do commonly grow mold indoors. While mold spores are naturally present on trees, bringing them into a warm, indoor environment with limited air circulation causes the mold to activate and multiply rapidly. This is more likely when the trees have not been cleaned or vacuumed prior to being set up as a display.

Trees are often cut weeks before they are sold and can be bundled tightly, trapping moisture. When moved indoors, the warm household temperature creates an ideal, humid environment for dormant mold spores to thrive and reproduce.

Research has found that a single Christmas tree can host over 50 different types of mold. In one study, mold spore counts in a room with a live tree increased from a normal range to over five times the acceptable level within two weeks.

The resulting high concentration of airborne mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (‘Christmas Tree Syndrome’). Those who may be more affected are individuals with asthma or who are immunosuppressed.

For any concerns with regards to breathing/shortness of breath, swelling of the eyes/neck/mouth/tongue or lips then please attend to emergency services. For active allergy based symptoms please consult with a Doctor or Pharmacist.

What's the Best Way to Prevent Christmas Tree Allergies?

There are multiple ways to prevent or reduce the occurrence of mold spores leading to allergy based symptoms when displaying your Christmas trees. The key to remember is not to forgo using real or fake trees entirely and thus not to dampen your festive mood/decorations.

When re-using Trees or purchasing new real/cut-down trees try and clean them outside of the house through shaking, vacuuming, hosing down, wiping and then drying well. When displaying the tree try to keep it in a cool area away from moisture or warmth sources and consider a well ventilated area.

If you are prone to symptoms then it may be worth considering an air purifier or using antihistamine based medications prior to setting up the tree to prevent symptoms during the Christmas period.