Identification of mold on seasonal indoor coniferous trees.

摘要

Epidemic peaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups are observed around December 25, specifically 1 week before and 1 week after for school-aged children and adults, respectively, often raising suspicion that a live, indoor, coniferous Christmas tree may be playing a role. The sole 1970 investigation of Christmas tree allergy concluded that aerosolized ragweed, grass, and tree pollen on the tree bark or oleoresin were likely causes. In 2007, levels of airborne mold spores in an apartment increased from 800 spores per cubic meter before the introduction of a live conifer to 5,000 spores per cubic meter after its presence of 14 days, but no spore identification was made. Because allergy testing can identify a patient's mold sensitivity, it would be useful to know what molds may be found on conifers used as Christmas trees.