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While the holidays are often the most wonderful time of the year, the can also be one of the most dangerous, especially if you decide to bring a Christmas tree into your home. There is, of course, the risk of a fire with the tree, but there is also a much more common and equally perilous issue with them - Christmas Tree Syndrome.
You might have never heard of the condition but a whopping estimated 7% of the population suffers from it, with many not even knowing it until they wind up hospitalized. That's just what happened to one mother in Ohio, who excitedly began to decorate her first real tree with her daughter, only to notice that hours after bringing the evergreen into her home, her face had swollen. The woman just assumed it was stress or TMJ and didn't think much of it, but her symptoms worsened. Her cheeks got hot and itchy, then her hands, feet and tongue swelled up. She couldn't swallow and her throat started to close, causing her to wheeze. She had to be rushed to the hospital, where she collapsed upon arrival. The diagnosis: a specific allergic reaction that is also known as Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Contrary to its name though, Christmas Tree Syndrome isn't a response to the tree rather to the mold spores that come with it. When a tree that has been cut and bundled, the mold forms, then if it gets wet, the mold really starts to grow. There are actually tons of types of mold on Christmas trees. In fact, studies have found more than 50 types on them, but the most popular one is Aspergillus, which can be very dangerous to anyone with a compromised immune system. Penicillium and Cladosporium are also prevelant, and they cause skin infections and other symptoms associated with allergic reactions.
Usually the Christmas Tree Syndrome reaction is just a rash and maybe some slight difficulty breathing, but they can be worse. To make sure it doesn't happen to you, experts recommend hosing off your tree and letting it dry before you bring it in your house. This will get rid of any pollen and mold. They also suggest wearing gloves and long sleeves while carrying it and decorating it, wiping down the trunk, getting rid of it the day after Christmas, and using an air purifier in the room where the tree stands.
To really err on the side of caution, use an artificial tree, however note that they can be problematic too, depending on where they've been kept, so those should be wiped down as well and always stored in a cool and dry place.
The mom in Ohio said, "I never thought in a million years that a Christmas tree could contain something that could kill me." Even after getting rid of the tree, the mold lingered, and so did her symptoms. So if you do bring in a live tree, always be mindful of how you're feeling.