Can you be allergic to a Christmas tree?
3 min read · Published
What 'Christmas tree syndrome' is, why mould on real trees is usually the cause, and practical ways to reduce sneezing and itchy eyes.
Yes, some people react to a real Christmas tree. Doctors call it “Christmas tree syndrome”. It’s usually not the tree itself people react to. More often it’s what comes in on the tree: mould, dust and pollen (UCLA Health).
Speak to your GP about persistent symptoms or asthma that is not well controlled. If an asthma attack is getting worse, your reliever is not helping after its maximum dose, or you have no inhaler, call 999. See the NHS asthma advice.
What causes it
UCLA Health lists three likely triggers (UCLA Health):
- Mould. UCLA calls it “the biggest nuisance of the bunch”. It cites figures from the American Christmas Tree Association that trees can carry around 50 types of mould and raise indoor mould spore counts more than sixfold. Spore counts rise the longer the tree stays up.
- Terpenes. These are the compounds that give the tree its smell. They can cause a reaction when breathed in or touched.
- Dust and pollen caught in the branches.
The mould figures come from a 2011 study at SUNY Upstate Medical University in New York. Researchers found 53 mould types across 28 samples of needles and bark taken from Christmas trees (SUNY Upstate). Those trees were American. We haven’t found an equivalent study of UK-grown trees.
The scent compounds can also irritate eyes and noses in sensitive people, especially in the first few days (NIST).
Common symptoms
UCLA Health lists sneezing, coughing, wheezing, watery or itchy eyes and, in people with asthma, asthma attacks (UCLA Health). Cleveland Clinic describes Christmas tree syndrome as a flare-up of an existing allergy, not a separate condition (Cleveland Clinic).
Before the tree comes in
- Shake it hard outside to get rid of loose needles and debris (UCLA Health).
- Rinse it with a hose if you have outdoor space, and let it dry fully before bringing it in.
- Leave it in a garage or outside for three days. NIST found the scent compounds drop sharply after the first few days (NIST).
- Let someone else handle it if your skin reacts. Otherwise wear gloves and long sleeves (UCLA Health).
While it’s up
- Run an air purifier in the room (UCLA Health).
- Open a window near the tree for a while each day (NIST).
- Keep it up for a shorter time. Mould counts rise the longer the tree is indoors, so buying in mid-December instead of late November helps. See When to buy a real Christmas tree.
Is any tree hypoallergenic?
“Nordmann fir hypoallergenic” is a common search. We haven’t found a medical source that calls the Nordmann, or any other common Christmas tree, hypoallergenic. UCLA says pine allergies are uncommon. It suggests that people who react to pine pollen try a fir or spruce instead, and mentions the Leyland cypress, which produces no pollen (UCLA Health). The Nordmann fir and Norway spruce are a fir and a spruce. Mould can grow on any species.
Artificial trees can gather dust and mould in storage as well. UCLA suggests unpacking them outdoors and wiping them down.