Is Your Christmas Tree Ruining Your Home’s Air Quality?

People who suffer from asthma or allergies know how crucial it is to have clean air inside their homes.

Cozy living room with a decorated Christmas tree, glowing lights, and wrapped gifts, highlighting potential indoor air quality issues during the holiday season.

But for some, the holidays may be a stressful time of year since they have to drag out the same old, dusty decorations year after year. Many individuals don't know that their Christmas tree may negatively impact the air quality inside their homes. Both natural and fake Christmas trees can introduce contaminants that harm the air quality in your home.

The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that roughly 60 million Christmas trees were purchased in the United States in 2018 alone, with about 23.6 million being artificial and 32.8 million being real. And, of course, different factors will sway Americans in their decision to buy a live or artificial Christmas tree, from the allure of the tree's aroma to the desire to recycle it year after year. One thing all 60 million Christmas trees had in common was that they might be harmful to indoor air quality.

Live Christmas Trees

Do you know that real Christmas trees might reduce the air quality in your home? The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that mold spores in residence increased dramatically within two weeks after a real Christmas tree was brought inside. Reports reveal that Christmas trees can bring in additional volumes of dust, fungi, and insects that you'd rather not have invading your personal space, adding to the already important consideration of mold levels in your home's indoor air. The key is to thoroughly inspect trees before bringing them inside and to thoroughly rinse them outside before bringing them inside for the holidays.

Artificial Christmas Tree

Artificial Christmas trees, if correctly cared for and kept, are less prone to spread mold and dust than real trees, but they still pose risks. In particular, most artificial Christmas trees today are made with polyvinyl chloride, the third most widely made synthetic plastic polymer made from petroleum.

What's the catch with PVC, anyway? Some research and advocacy groups also claim that PVC emits hazardous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate the skin, confuse the mind, and exacerbate preexisting diseases like asthma. However, if you take the time to unpack your fake tree each year and put it up in the fresh air before bringing it back inside, you can lessen your exposure to harmful pollutants.

Ornaments

Mold, germs, and dust can accumulate over time in the ornaments you use year after year on your Christmas tree. Before storing and using them, ornaments should be given a quick wipe-off. Though it takes effort, indoor air quality will be greatly improved.

Having great ventilation and an air purifying system in your home can protect you from various things such as Christmas trees and ensure your breathing in good quality air. Also be sure to change out your HVAC system filter on a regular basis. If you notice the air quality in your home is not as good as it should be, be sure to give us a call and we can come take a look and make sure you have the best option for your home.

Contact Best Owner Direct HVAC in Oregon if you have more questions about how your Christmas tree might affect the air quality inside your home. We're dedicated to giving you answers you can rely on, and we have plenty of experience in the restoration and cleanup field to back that up.