- Christmas Pest-Proofing
- Dust and Health
- Decor Mold Risks
Assembling the stockings, hanging the wreath on the door, and adorning the tree are all enchanting aspects of Christmas.
However, if we only see our decades-old Christmas decorations once a year, how could they affect our health?
“While we do dedicate a considerable amount of time to cleaning our residences prior to the holiday season, the state of our Christmas decorations is frequently disregarded,” explains Hashtag Clean’s managing director in Crawley, Jordan Harvey.
Thus, years may pass before the following cleansing.
Consequently, what health catastrophes might our residences conceal during the holiday season?
Mold and Dampness
Lofts and storage areas that are damp may cause your decorations to develop mildew.
Harvey explains, “Decorations could become damp and dusty if not maintained and stored properly; this could serve as a breeding ground for mould and mildew.”
Mould can cause significant harm to one’s health. It can cause skin and eye irritation, coughing, and a runny or obstructed nose.
Harvey states, “Mould could trigger an asthma attack or allergic reaction in asthmatics, which in the worst-case scenario could result in respiratory complications.”
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Additionally, your Christmas tree will affect fungi and allergies.
“If there are allergy sufferers in the household, artificial trees may be the best option, as real trees may increase the number of mould spores in the air, especially when the weather is cold and the majority of the windows are closed,” Harvey advises.
Dust Accumulation
Ignoring the dusting and cleansing of your Christmas decorations before displaying them could be highly hazardous to your health.
“Decorations attract dust and dirt from the air and from handling,” explains Sarah Dempsey, a resident cleaning expert at MyJobQuote.
“Dust and pet hair are most likely to accumulate on the ornaments adorning your tree, given that they float in the air and adhere to surfaces.”
Placing decorations will determine the level of dirt and hazards they are exposed to.
Christmas decorations in the kitchen will accumulate grease particulates from the surrounding air. “Dust adheres to the grease, further complicating the cleaning process,” explains Dempsey.
In addition to being an annoyance to remove, grime also poses significant health risks.
Dust is composed of minuscule detritus particles and decomposing epidermal cells. These particulates are sufficiently minute to be inhaled and have the potential to elicit an immune response. According to Dempsey, the magnitude of this reaction may vary significantly among individuals.
Although sneezing is a frequently encountered response to dust, it can induce coughing, eye irritation, and even asthma attacks in individuals with the condition. She explains that prolonged dust exposure can be hazardous, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or emphysema.
Pest Infestation
“Insects and bugs will undoubtedly inhabit real Christmas trees and wreaths,” says Dempsey.
“The majority of these pests do not present a health hazard to you or your family, and a significant number of them will perish within a few days when exposed to a warm environment.”
Other vermin, however, may pose a threat.
“Place Christmas decorations in sturdy plastic containers with lids rather than cardboard boxes” is how she advises storing them after the holiday.
Cardboard is an ideal nesting material for rodents and mice, as it can consume its interior. Diseases that are transmitted by rats’ urination include leptospirosis and salmonella.
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