Expert Study Uncovers Impact of Live Christmas Trees on Indoor Air Quality

The holiday season brings joy and tradition, with many American homes decorated with live Christmas trees.

A recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sheds light on a previously unknown aspect of these traditional holiday decorations: their effect on indoor air quality.

Impact of Live Christmas Trees on Air Quality

Researchers led by environmental engineer Dustin Poppendieck conducted a thorough investigation to understand the emissions from live Christmas trees better.

They hoped to dispel myths about the chemicals emitted by these evergreens and their potential effects on our indoor environment.

The team sealed a common Christmas tree variety, the Douglas fir, in a chamber resembling a typical household environment.

They meticulously measured the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the tree over 17 days. These VOCs, particularly monoterpenes, contribute to the well-known fresh scent of Christmas trees.

Interesting Findings

Their findings, published in the journal Indoor Environments, revealed fascinating insights. Initially, the Douglas fir released monoterpenes at a rate comparable to strong indoor sources like air fresheners.

However, within days, these emissions significantly diminished, becoming smaller than other common indoor sources.

One of the significant discoveries was the reaction between emitted monoterpenes and ozone. When introducing ozone into the chamber, it interacted with the tree's emissions, decreasing monoterpene levels.

Interestingly, this interaction led to a modest rise in formaldehyde and the identification of four other emitted VOCs.

Its Effects on People

Poppendieck emphasized that while VOC sensitivity might initially cause symptoms like watery eyes and noses in some individuals, for most people, having a Christmas tree indoors should not be a major concern.

However, for those who are sensitive or cautious, airing out rooms or letting newly cut trees sit outdoors for a few days before bringing them inside can mitigate exposure.

The study's methodology was meticulous, employing proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to detect and measure the emitted VOCs precisely in real time.

This high-tech approach allowed the team to monitor the tree's emissions and their subsequent reactions within the controlled environment.

While the findings may raise eyebrows, it is essential to note that the levels of formaldehyde created were relatively low compared to typical household concentrations. The study focused more on understanding the nature of emissions rather than suggesting a significant health risk.

Aside from the messy needles, trees that carry allergens, and the use of pesticides on non-organic farms, bringing a live Christmas tree indoors releases various chemicals into the air. However, most emissions decrease rapidly over a few days, with minimal long-term implications for indoor air quality.

This insightful research offers a deeper understanding of the dynamics between live Christmas trees and indoor air quality, providing valuable information for those concerned about the impact of their holiday decorations on their home environment.

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(Photo : John Lopez)
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