For people with allergies or asthma, the presence of a Christmas tree in the house, whether artificial or natural, can be embarrassing.
- According to the Ministry of Agriculture, nearly six million natural fir trees were sold in France in 2021.
- Volatile organic compounds are regularly used in metallurgy, printing, mechanics, plastics, car manufacturing, food processing, textiles, construction, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
The Christmas tree is one of the essential symbols of the end-of-year celebrations. Whether artificial or natural, it is present in many homes as Christmas approaches. For several years, the question of the ecological impact of natural trees has been regularly raised. In the American version of Huffposttwo specialists raise another issue: the potential consequences of these party trees on our health.
Natural fir can disperse allergenic substances
Like any object in the house, a tree, even natural, can release substances, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). L’US environmental protection agency list their potential health effects: headaches, eye irritation, nausea, etc. For Bryan Cummings, a researcher at Drexel University, it is unlikely that VOCs from fir trees have a significant impact on health, compared to all the products present in our homes which release them all year round. “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.”he nevertheless specifies to the Huffpost.
Some trees may be more inconvenient for these people, as they are treated for conservation reasons. “Some supermarkets and large garden centers store and sell fir trees sometimes a month before the usual cutting date, forcing growers to spray these trees with fixing products, to glue the needles and thus maintain the fir trees artificially in shape. explains theAtmo organism Burgundy-Franche-Comte.
But even when they are completely natural, and untreated, fir trees carry allergens, such as pollen or mold spores, which can make their presence difficult for people with allergies or asthma.
Artificial trees: compounds harmful to health
The materials used to make artificial trees also contain volatile organic compounds that are potentially harmful to health. “The PVC that makes up the artificial trees releases phthalates, reminds Atmo. These substances, commonly used to soften plastics, are toxic.” Over the years, PVC produces dust that “can present a danger due to the extremely fine particles which compose it and which can penetrate deeply into the pulmonary system“. In addition, Atmo specifies that fir trees are generally treated with a flame retardant, “whose toxic effects are not yet fully known“.
How to choose the right Christmas tree?
The Atmo organization provides several tips to limit the risks. If you prefer natural trees, better be patient before buying it. “The cutting period which guarantees a quality tree takes place in the first half of December. Thus, by waiting for the appropriate period to bring your tree home, you will avoid introducing certain compounds into your indoor environment.raises the association. In addition, some fir trees have a flocked or frosted appearance: these effects are obtained by using fire-retardant glue (based on water and cellulose wadding and/or cotton fibers) or paint. Renouncing these artifices will again prevent you from introducing polluting substances into your interior.”
For artificial trees, these specialists recommend airing it before installing it, and dusting it well. If you are concerned about indoor air quality, it seems more important to pay more attention to the products you use regularly, and therefore to which you are exposed daily, rather than to the tree. “Clean with soap and water instead of using harsh chemicals where possible, limit the use of scented products, then you can always open a window to remove some of those indoor pollutants”recommends Bryan Cummings. He also advises limiting the use of plastic, whether in daily tasks or for decoration.