Mold for the Holidays

Holiday Allergies - Health News from WSOC TV

As the winter holiday season approaches, people tend to spend more time indoors. Often, the sniffles, sneezing and tearing eyes are attributed to colds and respiratory infections. Clifford Bassett, M.D., Allergist with NYU School of Medicine in New York City, says, in some cases, allergies may be the real cause of the symptoms.

An allergy is an inappropriate reaction to a normally harmless substance (called an allergen).

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates as many as 40 to 50 million Americans have allergies. Some of the most common causes of indoor allergies are dust, mold, animal dander and cockroach droppings.

The level of indoor allergens may increase as displays of holiday decorations go up. A live tree or greens may contain mold, pollen or chemical residues from the grower. Some people are allergic to the tree sap. Artificial trees and greens aren’t necessarily better because they often are laden with dust particles. No matter whether you have a live or artificial tree, the ornaments, themselves, can also be dust collectors.

Live trees can harbor mold that releases spores into the air. If you are able, wash the tree and let it dry before bringing it indoors. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also recommends using a very mild bleach solution (one part bleach to 20 parts warm water) to rinse the trunk and kill off any mold growth. Mold thrives in dampness. If humidity levels are high inside the home, consider using a dehumidifier to keep mold growth down.

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