Christmas is only a few weeks away, so it is it is possible that soon you will be taking out decorations or buying a new tree. Doctors warn that although these things will give you the right festive mood and atmosphere, they can also cause you unpleasant symptoms. , experts warn that they can increase the risk of various diseases and even cancer.
A tree is a typical Christmas decoration that can be found in almost every home. However, Doctor Donald Grant warned that it can irritate your skin and worsen symptoms of conditions such as eczema. “The main trigger is the sap and the oils that are on them. Many trees they contain rosin, which causes contact dermatitis and irritates sensitive skin“, he stated.
Grant further pointed out that many trees are stored in attics all year round. “This moisture creates ideal conditions for the growth of molds, which are harmful to health in many ways and cause respiratory problems, including lung infections. When these spores released into the air, breathing them in can quickly trigger a reaction in people suffering from eczema” added the expert.
But you are into trees only people suffering from eczema should not be careful. “Each of us can have an allergic reaction to a favorite decoration, which leads to sneezing, coughing, sleep disorders or eye pain. This phenomenon we call it the Christmas tree syndrome. Some trees may pose a higher allergy risk than others,” he noted for some people, fir may be a better choice than pine because it is usually less reactive.
Christmas trees can cause a number of health problems.
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Although buying an artificial tree avoids many inconveniences, experts warn that you may not avoid unpleasant health consequences. Grant pointed out that artificial Christmas trees are also a good idea for people suffering from eczema similar risk as the living ones. “In this case, the dust accumulated during the year during storage can remain on the plant or can be dispersed around the home when decorating. These allergens can then irritate the skin,” he explained.
If you suffer from asthma or allergies, according to experts, it can spoil your plans for a kiss under the mistletoe. “Such seasonal plants can bring mold and pollen into your home. In a warm home, these spores can multiply quickly. If you are sensitive to these unwanted substances sensitive, you may develop symptoms similar to hay fever,” noted Dr. Andrew Whittamore.
You should also pay attention to mistletoe.
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Christmas decorations and tinsel
Since most of the glittering decorations have their use only in December, it’s only natural that they’ll be tucked away in a closet or attic for the rest of the year. So if you take them out of a dusty environment, you may experience several unpleasant symptoms. “Decorations may not be safe for people with lung conditions such as asthma. The reason is that dust or mold can often remain in decorations that have been put away for a long time,” Whittamore clarified.
Scented candles and diffusers
More and more popular a way to create the right Christmas atmosphere is to light a scented candle or use a diffuser. However, experts warn that although they can bring a great smell to the home, they also cause the spread of harmful substances in the interior, which can have a negative effect on your health. “When using scented candles, the maximum concentration of fine particles can occur increase up to 15 times the limits prescribed by the WHO,” revealed Drs. Asit Kumar Mishra and Marie Coggins.
Experts have warned that burning candles or incense sticks creates a complex mixture of chemicals and solid particles including toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. “They can also produce several volatile organic compounds that can be harmful to health. Particulate matter can cause problems such as coughing and sneezing or irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis,” they added.
Scented candles can also cause big problems.
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How you can protect yourself
There are several ways through which you can reduce the risk of developing unpleasant diseases this Christmas. If you take the artificial tree out of a dusty environment, try vacuuming or wiping it with a damp cloth to remove it. At the next packaging of the tree and decorations you can use airtight plastic bags or boxes to keep them dust-free throughout the year.
If you suffer from allergy symptoms, Grant recommends using an air purifier, limit contact with the tree itself and always check for mold, dirt or dust. However, when symptoms begin to worsen, experts they recommend consulting your doctor to make sure how to treat them properly.
