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The influence of live Christmas trees on the composition of indoor air

01.01.2024

Christmas trees affect indoor air composition by releasing monoterpenes and oxidized volatile organic compounds. For people with sensitivity to these substances, it is recommended to take precautions to avoid possible discomfort.

The choice of New Year's tree is not limited only to artificial options made of PVC film or plastic. Despite the growing popularity of artificial trees, live trees still find their fans. Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Engineering Laboratory in Gaithersburg, a division of the US Technology Administration, decided to analyze how live Christmas trees affect the composition of indoor air.

In the natural environment, coniferous trees produce monoterpenes, naturally occurring hydrocarbons that play an important role in regulating air quality. Interestingly, the researchers found that even felled spruce trees continue to release these organic compounds.

American engineers conducted an experiment on Douglas fir, assessing monoterpene levels using a proton transfer mass spectrometer. A 1,76 meter tall tree was left in a bucket of water and exposed to ozone. The results showed that the spruce not only emitted monoterpenes, but also oxidized volatile organic compounds.

During the experiment, 52 different ions were detected, and the rate of their release reached a maximum on the first day, decreasing thereafter. When exposed to ozone, a reaction occurred with monoterpenes, forming byproducts including formaldehyde. Although formaldehyde levels remained low, they affected indoor air chemistry.

For people sensitive to VOCs, freshly cut spruce may cause discomfort and watery eyes. In such cases, it is recommended to ventilate the room or place the tree on the balcony for several days.

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