Asked by: Nassim Albillos
food and drink food allergies

Can you be allergic to an artificial Christmas tree?

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Unfortunately, these storage areas are prone to dust and mold. That being said, artificial trees may also trigger allergy symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes. The holidays can be very stressful, however when you're not feeling well they can feel downright overwhelming.


In this way, what are symptoms of being allergic to Christmas trees?

Symptoms of a Christmas tree allergy include:

  • Coughing.
  • Wheezing.
  • Sneezing.
  • Sinusitis.
  • Watery Eyes.
  • Swelling of the Throat.
  • Fatigue.

Also, can dogs be allergic to artificial Christmas trees? These can be swallowed and cause a bowel obstruction. Artificial trees: Be extra vigilant if you use an artificial tree, especially as it becomes more brittle with age. Small pieces of plastic or aluminum can break off and cause an intestinal blockage or mouth irritation if ingested by your dog.

Besides, is my child allergic to Christmas tree?

Common symptoms include sneezing, sniffling, itchy nose and eyes, and dry cough. If you are concerned that your child is experiencing allergy symptoms related to a Christmas tree, talk to their primary care provider. They can help discuss next steps in diagnosis and management.

Can artificial Christmas trees make you sick?

Even the fake trees can have issues. A study by the State University of New York found that 70% of the molds found in live Christmas trees trigger some sort of reaction. Dr Boutin said it can cause severe asthma attacks, fatigue and sinus congestion. Often you can't even see the mold that's making you sick.

Related Question Answers

Babacar Hoyo

Professional

How do you treat a Christmas tree allergy?

Wash your tree: Spray off your tree with water and allow to dry overnight in the garage before putting it up. This will remove some of the loose mold and pollen that is on the tree. Allow the tree to dry thoroughly before bringing indoors.

Mao Vock

Professional

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

In many cases, once the tree gets into your home, the mould on the tree begins reproducing, triggering an allergic reaction known as “Christmas Tree Syndrome.” Christmas trees help set the holiday mood with twinkling lights, shiny ornaments and the scent of pine.

Aguedo Bemdinha

Professional

Can you get hay fever from Christmas trees?

Christmas Tree Syndrome affects people by creating symptoms similar to hay fever, which are caused when the mould that grows on the tree releases spores into the air. As pollen is also present on the trees, the syndrome is likely to affect most hay fever sufferers.

Jurate Nassiri

Explainer

Why are people allergic to trees?

Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies in the United States. Pollen is a very fine powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds to fertilize other plants of the same species. Many people have an adverse immune response when they breathe in pollen.

Alycia Ibba

Explainer

What rash looks like a Christmas tree?

Pityriasis rosea, also called a Christmas tree rash, is an oval-shaped skin patch that can appear on different parts of your body. This is a common rash that affects people of all ages, although it typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 35.

Devin Ludelaufs

Explainer

Do real Christmas trees affect asthma?

Not everyone with asthma has a problem with real Christmas trees. But they can be a trigger for some people, bringing on asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of an asthma attack. The reason for this is that having a real Christmas tree brings mould and pollen spores into the house.

Rio Hochlechner

Pundit

Can Christmas trees make you cough?

BEING allergic to a Christmas tree - dubbed Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, coughs, sore eyes, and potentially life–threatening asthma attacks. Mould can grow on Christmas trees, which are released as spores into the home. The spores can cause a number of symptoms, similar to hay fever.

Abdenabi Genest

Pundit

What are the worst trees for allergies?

Some of the worst tree allergens include:
  • alder.
  • ash.
  • beech.
  • birch.
  • box elder.
  • cedar.
  • cottonwood.
  • date palm.

Maude Briones

Pundit

Is Ebony Wood toxic?

Ebony, when ground into fine dust (for example, during sawing), results in a flammable and toxic powder which can float about in air for several days.

Xiaoqiong Borreman

Pundit

What is a Fraser fir Christmas tree?

The Fraser fir may be the perfect holiday tree. Its attractive 1-inch needles are silvery-green and soft to the touch. The trees grow to almost perfect shapes, and as long as the cut tree is kept properly watered, the Frasier fir has excellent needle retention.

Vittorio Legazpi

Teacher

Do Christmas trees have mold?

Most Christmas trees are cut in advance of the holidays and stored in a moist environment, making them a likely mold source. In fact, a study carried out by ABC News found that the mold count from a live Christmas tree rose to 5 times the normal level 2 weeks after the tree was brought indoors.

Quyen Retlich

Teacher

What are fake Christmas trees made of?

The earliest artificial Christmas trees were wooden, tree-shaped pyramids or feather trees, both developed by Germans. Most modern trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) but many other types of trees have been and are available, including aluminum Christmas trees and fiber-optic illuminated Christmas trees.

Alzbeta Liceran

Teacher

What is the best type of real Christmas tree to buy?

The Douglas fir is one of the most common Christmas tree types sold in the US. This evergreen is a staple in most Christmas tree lots, loved for its full pyramid-like shape and long-lasting needles. The soft, shiny needles that grow on all sides of its branches, making it appear even fuller!

Argentino Leemhuis

Teacher

How do I get rid of bugs in my Christmas tree?

Common Christmas Tree Bugs and How to Get Rid of Them
  1. Diatomaceous Earth - An insecticidal powder that uses no synthetic chemicals and leaves no scent or odors. Simply dust your tree while it's still outside and shake off excess before bringing it inside.
  2. Neem Oil Spray - Apply this OMRI Listed® spray to target insects at every growth stage.

Najlaa Cotterill

Reviewer

Can you get a rash from pine needles?

It was a substance in the oil and sap of the pine called terpene. For allergic individuals, contact with evergreens used for garland, wreathes, and Christmas trees -- especially when they are fresh-cut and shedding needles -- can cause skin rashes, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing.

Rossmery Pratzler

Reviewer

Can newborns have hayfever?

"Yes, hay fever can affect even very young children and babies," Lindsey McManus of hay fever charity Allergy UK advises madeformums . Keep a close lookout between the months of May to October, when tree and pollen count tends to peak.

Fanta Jenike

Reviewer

Is flocking safe for pets?

Imitation snow, or flocking, can be very hazardous to pets that ingest it. Since flocking is often sprayed on Christmas tree branches, which in turn look like fun sticks to chew on, it is best to avoid it altogether in order to help keep your pet safe.

Farrukh Quino

Reviewer

How do you keep pets away from Christmas trees?

Keeping Pets Away From Your Christmas Tree and Ornaments
  1. Spritz Your Pets with Water. Every time you see your pet come near your tree or decorations, use a water bottle to spritz them lightly with clean water.
  2. Use Bitter Apple Spray.
  3. Keep a Bottle of Citrus Spray Handy.

Mujer Paolini

Supporter

Are fir trees toxic to dogs?

Christmas trees are also generally safe for pets. However, pine needles can cause damage to eyes if pets should run into the tree, such as a corneal laceration. Should pets ingest the sap produced by the tree, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, but natural trees are generally non-toxic for cats and dogs.