Press Release
☷Live Christmas Trees Affect Indoor Air Chemistry NIST Researchers Find
National Institute of Standards and Technology ( By Press Release office)
Dec 24,2023
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NIST researchers recently conducted a study where they placed a typical Christmas tree in a closed chamber for 17 days to track the chemicals it releases . These chemicals , known as volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) , are responsible for the pine scent and can potentially react with ozone to create byproducts . The researchers discovered low levels of these chemicals , which could be a concern for individuals sensitive to them . This study sheds light on the emissions of VOCs from live Christmas trees , particularly the monoterpenes responsible for the beloved holiday fragrance . The findings suggest that the scent is not a major worry for health , allowing everyone to enjoy the festive season without concern . They put the tree in a controlled chamber to measure the chemicals it emitted in real time . Using a method called proton - transfer reaction mass spectrometry , they tracked the VOCs released over 17 days in a setup resembling a typical home environment . Monoterpenes were the most common VOCs emitted , peaking on the first day and then decreasing . When they introduced ozone into the chamber , it reacted with the monoterpenes to create byproducts like formaldehyde . This showed a small impact on indoor air quality . For those sensitive to VOCs , opening a window near the tree or letting a freshly cut tree air out for a few days can help reduce exposure . Keeping your tree well - watered is important to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard . The researchers concluded that having a Christmas tree in your home shouldn ' t be a major concern for most people . Hey , give the gov a call at ( 301 ) 975 - 3611 to reach the NIST Headquarters . They have different programs and divisions , like the Engineering Laboratory and the Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Group . If you want to stay updated , you can sign up with your email address . This info was released on December 22 , 2023 .
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