Essential in homes for Christmas, the tree can nevertheless be a real danger for some people. There is even a syndrome that bears his name: Christmas tree syndrome. And this, whether natural or artificial.
The Christmas star is not very good for your health. From the beginning of December, it is not uncommon for end-of-year holiday aficionados to rush to decorate their homes in Christmas colors. And that they spend in particular on the purchase of the famous fir tree, this essential that we find in homes. Natural, large, small, medium, synthetic, resin… Today, there are multiple choices for everyone’s preferences. But be careful, no one is safe from Christmas tree syndrome. Whether you have a real one or a fake one.
Indeed, Bryan Cummings, researcher at Drexel University College of Engineering in the United States, explains to Huffpost that in both cases, fir trees can be harmful to health. For example, real Christmas trees release volatile substances capable of irritating the respiratory tract, notably by releasing a “mixture of different volatile organic compounds (VOCs)”. Also called pinenes, these organic compounds can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and cause headaches when inhaled, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “People who are sensitive to irritants of this nature – such as people with asthma or certain allergies – may experience additional irritation when they have a Christmas tree in their home.”explains the researcher.
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The artificial tree, a danger?
If people suffering from Christmas tree syndrome with a real tree are hoping that fakes are a good alternative, be careful. Made from plastics and PVC, these materials contain phthalates, chemicals including “they are thought to be primarily endocrine disruptors”, says Bryan Cummings. In contact with the skin, phthalates have the ability to go directly into the blood, he continues. He also specifies that to reduce the risk of fire, artificial trees contain flame retardants. “When exposed to them over the long term, these substances can be toxic to the nervous system and/or contribute to the development of certain cancers”, he adds. Nevertheless, the researcher wants to reassure consumers who value their beloved tree: artificial trees are not “probably not” the major source of pollution at home, given that phthalates are found in many everyday objects.
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Series, people, TV, society, Pauline likes to vary the subjects. A travel and pop culture fanatic, she is interested in all trends and has a small passion for…