It is true that True, Christmas trees play a great role in decorating our houses for the season, however, they could end up killing you.

Experts say your Christmas tree may be killing you.

A recent research has shown that there are health reactions to the seasonal feature, which might look harmless, but could end up causing life-threatening pneumonia.

If you are thinking of switching to an artificial tree, beware of its layer of dust which may cause a set of its own problems.

Experts say the runny nose and cough that many of us associate with this time of year may well be caused by the mould harboured by the tree.

Experts say your Christmas tree may be killing you.

A recent research has shown that there are health reactions to the seasonal feature, which might look harmless, but could end up causing life-threatening pneumonia.

If you are thinking of switching to an artificial tree, beware of its layer of dust which may cause a set of its own problems.

Experts say the runny nose and cough that many of us associate with this time of year may well be caused by the mould harboured by the tree.

Signs That Your Tree Wants To Kill.

Woman sneezing and coughing in snow storm.

There signs to look out for, they show that your tree may be making you ill.

Some of the signs are if you suddenly have an asthma attack after the tree is brought indoors or if your nose suddenly starts running and you are sneezing, even though you don’t feel as if you have a cold.

For some people the effects of the mould can be severe. In around one in 500 people, such as those with a compromised immune system. The mould will settle and grow inside their airways, and will cause the sudden onset of a cough and fatigue that won’t shift.

A spokesman for the London allergy clinic said: “Someone with a lot of allergies can react to simply the smell of the Christmas tree, which comes from the pine resin, and it can trigger sneezes and wheezes in some people.

“Also, if someone already has a respiratory allergy – such as to a pet or dust mites – then the lining of their nose is already over-secreting and sensitive and the mould on the Christmas tree may make the symptoms of their normal allergy worse.

“If your symptoms get worse in the room where the tree is and especially when you get close to the tree, for example, as you take presents off it, then it is safe to say the allergen causing your problems is coming from the tree.”

Recommendations

Experts recommend spraying your tree with a mild bleach solution just before you take the tree into the house, as this will help kill off the mould.

If you are suffering from mild sneezes or just a bit of a runny nose, then take antihistamines.

Nasal sprays are the best because they work directly on the nasal passages where the allergic reaction to the mould is triggered.

Allergens expert, Max Wiseberg said “If you have stored your tree since last year, it will have accumulated a layer of dust which will be dispersed when it is disturbed.

“So consider how your store your artificial tree when it’s not in use – packing it away in a sealed box will mean less dust accumulates.

“Also, give it a good clean when you get it out of storage – ideally outside or away from the living room, so that you’re not simply displacing the dust around the room.

“Hosing down your tree before taking it into the house, or after getting it out of storage, can help get rid of some of the mould and spores – though it’s probably best to get someone who isn’t allergic to do this!

“You should also take care when decorating the tree, or again get someone else to do it, as allergens will be disturbed as you move the tree into position and move the branches to hang the baubles and add the lights.”

Putting up the tree as late as possible will help minimise the risk, whilst an air purifier may also help.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for new options asides your regular Christmas tree, then you might want to turn your eyes on some floating ornamental Christmas trees.