Christmas Trees Pose Mold Concerns

A festive Christmas tree is a holiday tradition in many households. There are a variety of ways to get a tree, from visiting a tree lot to going out into the forest and cutting down your own. Bringing it home, setting it up, and decorating it can be a family bonding experience year after year.

Even for those who prefer a fake tree, exposure to real trees is common this time of year. Some businesses and many households will choose to use a real tree, and many people find the natural scent to be a joyous reminder of the season. Though fake trees have become more and more realistic, there is still no substitute for the look and smell of a real tree.

A new report indicates that these real trees might pose health risks, however. One risk, in particular, can lead to significant health issues or even death. Christmas trees develop mold over the course of their time in a building, and this mold can cause respiratory distress for people with allergy or asthma issues.

There are precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of this occurring. A thorough cleaning of the tree is important, as is leaving it outside for at least a day before setting it up. Even so, many people skip these steps, putting the health of themselves and others at significant risk. And even when these steps are taken, mold is likely to develop if the tree is inside long enough, so prompt disposal is extremely important.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to mold exposure, it is important that you receive proper treatment for any health issues that occurred. It is also important that the people or businesses responsible for the exposure are held accountable. Please contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your case.