Christmas tree warning: hidden dangers revealed

From 1 December, many Western Australians will follow tradition and set up their Christmas trees to kick off the festive season. But the Institute for Respiratory Health is warning that real and artificial trees could pose hidden dangers for people with asthma and allergies.

Professor Yuben Moodley from the Institute says Christmas trees, while a beloved part of the holidays, can trigger serious respiratory issues if not handled with care.

“Real Christmas trees, like pine trees, often carry pollen picked up before they’re harvested. When brought indoors, this can worsen hay fever and asthma symptoms,” Professor Moodley said.

“Artificial trees come with their own risks. They’re usually stored in garages or cupboards, where dust, mould and other allergens build up. When unpacked, these particles are released into the air and can cause discomfort or even severe reactions.”

Even decorations can cause problems. “We often don’t think about the dust and mould that collect on ornaments and tinsel over time, but these can trigger asthma or hay fever too,” Professor Moodley explained.

To help Western Australians celebrate safely, the Institute for Respiratory Health offers these tips:

For real Christmas trees

• Wash your tree with a hose before bringing it inside to remove pollen. Allow it to dry completely before decorating.
• Keep your tree in a cool area of the house to limit mould spore growth in warm environments.

For artificial trees

• Clean your tree thoroughly with a vacuum or damp cloth to remove dust and allergens before setting it up.
• Store your tree and decorations in airtight plastic containers to reduce allergen build-up for next year.

“Taking these precautions can help make the festive season safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with asthma and allergies,” Professor Moodley said.

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