Measuring the chemicals emitted by a Christmas tree in the lab
Many families enjoy the experience of having a live Christmas tree inside their homes, primarily due to the fresh fragrance it brings to the holiday season. However, this scent is actually a result of the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the tree, and these chemicals may have both positive and negative health effects.
To better understand the impact of these chemicals, Dustin Poppendieck and his team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted an experiment with a common Christmas tree, the Douglas fir, to measure the quantity and types of VOCs emitted. Their research aimed to determine the correlation between these emissions and indoor air quality, providing valuable insights into the potential health effects of having a Christmas tree in the home.
The fresh scent often associated with Christmas trees is derived from monoterpenes, a group of VOCs also found in air fresheners, candles, and personal care products. In their study, the researchers found that monoterpenes were the most abundant VOC emitted from the tree, peaking within the first day before gradually diminishing by the third day. Interestingly, they detected 52 distinct types of monoterpenes, shedding light on the complex chemical composition of the emitted compounds.
Furthermore, the team observed the reaction of these compounds with ozone, which led to the formation of byproducts such as formaldehyde, another type of VOC. While the researchers noted a slight increase in formaldehyde levels, the impact on indoor air quality was relatively minimal, especially when compared to other common household sources of formaldehyde.
A case for allergies at Christmas time?
For individuals sensitive to VOCs, particularly when bringing cut trees indoors, the emissions from Christmas trees could potentially cause watery eyes and noses. In such cases, ensuring proper ventilation by opening a window near the tree can help reduce exposure. Additionally, allowing newly cut trees to air out outdoors or in a garage for a few days before bringing them inside can help decrease emission levels over time.
Despite these findings, Poppendieck reassures that for most people, the potential health concerns associated with Christmas tree emissions should not be a major concern. However, he emphasizes the importance of watering the tree daily to prevent it from drying out, which could pose a fire hazard in the home.
The team’s findings have been published in the journal Indoor Environments, marking an important contribution to understanding the impact of Christmas trees on indoor air quality.
Non-plastic alternatives to cut trees? Trees in a pot
In Cork, Ireland you can rent a Christmas tree. Maybe they will give off less aggressive VOCs because they aren’t in pain and dying?
Apart from traditional cut trees, some companies offer the option to rent live Christmas trees in pots, which can be returned after the holiday season. Not only is this a sustainable alternative, but it also contributes to addressing the environmental impact of traditional Christmas trees, which are often discarded after use. Additionally, live potted trees act as a carbon sink, supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As our understanding of the impact of Christmas trees on indoor air quality continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we explore alternative options that align with sustainability and environmental preservation.
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