Trying to avoid creating a dusty environment this year can be tricky. If you haven’t already, you will soon be putting up the Christmas tree along with the decorations. As we breathe in the mold and dust they have collected while sitting in the garage or attic over the past 11 months, these seasonal items can cause respiratory problems for many people, unfortunately. As you get ready for the holidays, families will spend time cleaning and organizing for guests visiting their house. Making sure the air in the home is safe for others to breathe is also essential. Today, Air Pure Air Duct Cleaning would like to discuss the issues surrounding Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Need to Improve Indoor Air Quality Over Winter Holidays
Where concentrations of some pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than the air we breathe outdoors, Americans, on average spend approximately 90% of their day indoors, according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). As we add trees, decorations and candles around our homes which can be harmful for friends and family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, making these conditions are made worse during the holidays.
Preventing Christmas Tree Syndrome
The pollen and mold remaining on a live Christmas tree are dangerous to breathe while the pine scent may be nice to smell. Severe asthma attacks, fatigue and sinus congestion can be triggered by 70% of the molds found in live trees according to researchers at State University of New York. Especially if they’re not wrapped properly and have accumulated dust and mold spores while in storage, artificial trees that can also cause problems. On your Christmas tree, you should avoid dust and mold. Before you set up the Christmas tree this year, consider the steps below.
Living Christmas Trees: Before you bring it inside, hose off the tree to remove pollen and mold and let dry. To avoid sap touching your skin, wear gloves and long sleeves when carrying the tree. With a solution of 1-part bleach, 20 parts lukewarm water, wipe down the trunk of the tree.
Artificial Christmas Trees: Store in a cool and dry place after you wrap the tree securely. Before setting up, wipe down the tree and ornaments. The amount of spray snow to frost your tree and windows is reduced. Irritant reactions in the eyes, nose or lungs can be caused by aerosolized chemicals.
1) Dust the Decorations: In garages, basements or attics which are known hangouts for mold and dust mites, carrying many allergens, the decorations are stored here for the past 1 months. When you take them out of storage, wipe those decorations off thoroughly with a damp cloth. Pack decorations in plastic bags, or bins, not cardboard after the holidays. Notorious for collecting dust and promoting mold growth is cardboard.
2) Avoid Commercial Air Fresheners: Worsening respiratory issues, the created ambiance from a can could lead to irritated noses and throats. To keep your home smelling fresh and festive, try a natural potpourri of water, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peels, simmering on the stove, instead.
3) Avoid Scented Candles: Candles can lead to respiratory distress in people with severe allergies or asthma, though they can create that warm cozy feeling in your home. In addition to irritating particles and gasses, some scented, petroleum-based candles can produce soot. A better option are candles made from hemp, soy, or beeswax, or even ones using LED flickering light.
4) Regift Poinsettias: During the holidays, the cheerful, traditional plant is everywhere. Anyone allergic to latex could develop anything from a rash to severe breathing problems, just by touching or inhaling the allergen since poinsettias are members of the rubber tree family. Vomiting, diarrhea or skin or eye irritation in dogs and cats can occur because the plants can also be mildly toxic to pets.
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To ensure you and your family are breathing well this holiday season in the Las Vegas Valley, apply the above tips and be sure to have you air ducts cleaned by Air Pure Air Duct Cleaning.
