“Oh Tannenbaum, Oh, Tannenbaum . . . .how mold-Infested are your branches!
Reader note: Our blog will regularly feature research and news stories regarding health issues. I invite readers to email me interesting stories relative to health matters, especially in reference to environmental links affecting wellness.
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Allergy sufferers beware during this season of rockin’ around the Christmas tree—the mold that thrives on live pines may trigger allergic symptoms for weeks of suffering, according to research presented recently during the annual meeting of American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air. "Christmas trees are another possible source of mold exposure during the holiday season," says researcher, Philip Hemmers, an allergist and immunologist with St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, Conn.
Once the live pine was brought inside the house and decorated, the mold spore counts were taken 12 times over a two-week period. Researchers found they were five times above normal at the end of two weeks, and these high levels have been correlated with allergic rhinitis and an increased rate of asthma symptoms and asthma-related hospitalization in other studies," said Hemmers. "So if you don't feel well during the holidays, consider the Christmas tree as a possible source of allergies." Their research was limited to just one tree so further investigation is obviously needed.
With these findings, those with mold sensitivity may consider keeping a live Christmas tree in the house for a week or less or switch to an artificial tree. However, Hermmers cautioned if these are stored in the attic or basement where they can collect dust and mold, these can also be problematic.
Christmas ornaments and lights can also be contaminated with dust or mold. "Store Christmas decorations in plastic containers that you can wipe off, since cardboard can potentially have mold,” recommends Dr. James Sublett, section chief of Pediatric Allergy at the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine in Kentucky. "Also wear a N95 dust mask when bringing stuff out of storage." It’s not being overly cautious, it’s protecting yourself from these environmental hazards.
Beyond its ability to ramp up allergies, mold triggers a multitude of other symptoms and can lead to a chronic, fatiguing illness for those genetically susceptible. The Center for Research on Biotoxin Associated Illness has shown how mold, along with other biotoxic agents are putting people of all ages at risk.
So, deck the halls, but do so with caution. Environmental toxins are real and everywhere today. Toxins are indeed swirling in our air, our food, our water and our exposure is constant. More about mold and other toxins impacting our health today in future posts. S.S.
posted by Sandy at 11:23 AM