Your Christmas tree could be making you sick this winter, expert warns
If you find yourself feeling sniffly this winter, there could be something causing your illness that you've never considered before - your Christmas tree.
By now, most of us will have put our Christmas trees up and have decorated them ready for the big day later this month. But did you know that your Christmas tree could be triggering your allergies? Known as Christmas tree syndrome, being allergic to festive trees is a real thing, and it doesn't even matter if your tree is real or artificial - it can still make you sniffle and sneeze when you normally wouldn't.
Pollen allergies can be made worse by real Christmas trees (stock photo) (Getty Images)Plant experts have told The Mirror that when it comes to real Christmas trees, your sneezing could be triggered by a pollen allergy as the fir trees tend to be rife with pollen when they're chopped down. Allergic reactions triggered by artificial trees aren't very common, of course, but depending on how they're stored they could still make you sick - especially if they begin to go mouldy due to being kept in damp conditions, or if they're excessively dusty.
Igor Podyablonskiy, flower expert and florist at My Flowers, said: "Real Christmas trees can contain mould spores and weed pollen, which can cause potential allergic reactions. They may also be sprayed with chemicals like fake snow or pesticides which can trigger allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, blocked nose or cold-like symptoms."
And Christmas trees don't just pose risks to our own health, as they can actually be toxic to our pets - who often love nothing more than trying to munch on the pine needles. These needles can cause an upset stomach if ingested, as well as potentially causing pain due to their sharp texture. The expert added: "Leftover water in the tree stand can also be harmful if ingested and the fertilisers and additives that are sometimes included can cause upset stomachs and even cause poisoning if consumed."
Subway diner taken to hospital seven minutes after biting into sandwich
Plastic Christmas trees can also pose a danger to animals, as the small plastic pieces can cause gastrointestinal issues if your pet chews on your tree. Igor encouraged people to use shatterproof ornaments to reduce the risk of a bauble breaking into easily ingestible pieces and said it was vital that all lights be secured so that your pets don't pull them down, as this can cause a fire risk.
It's not just Christmas trees that pose risks either, as Igor said other plants that are popular at this time of year, including mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can be toxic to pets too, and great care should be taken before adorning your house with them if you have furry friends at home.
The expert said: "Other traditional festive plants like mistletoe, holly, lilies and amaryllis are also toxic if pets ingest them. These are not only common in wreaths but also festive garlands used indoors and outdoors. Poinsettias, common around this time of year, aren't usually toxic but can cause mild irritation if consumed in large amounts.
"To keep pets and children protected from any dangers, it's wise to keep these plants out of reach or opt for artificial versions. If you believe your pet has consumed any plants or ornaments, contact a vet quickly."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
