American scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) analyzed the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from live Christmas and New Year trees on the composition of air in the house. They concluded that in some cases, substances released by plants can turn into toxins. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Internal Environments (IE).
The fresh scent of conifers comes from a group of VOCs called monoterpenes. They can also be found in air fresheners, candles, and some personal care products. Until recently, little was known about how monoterpenes react with other household volatiles.
Researchers placed a decorated Douglas fir tree in a room for 17 days to measure the amount and type of VOCs it emitted using mass spectrometry. They then analyzed how the compounds reacted with other components of indoor air.
Experts discovered that monoterpenes obtained from wood react with ozone formed in the air under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The result is a variety of byproducts, including toxic formaldehyde and other active chemicals. As the experiment continued, the monoterpene concentration decreased and the formaldehyde level increased.
Scientists noted that most people should not be afraid of these processes; It was stated that the amount of formaldehyde released was only one part per billion. This is 20-30 times lower than the average formaldehyde content in residential buildings.
Experts also found that the highest amount of monoterpenes were released into the air in the first three days after the tree was cut. Therefore, the purchased Christmas tree can be left in the garage or on the balcony for three days before being installed in the house, which will allow most of the VOCs to disappear.
Previous experts named New Year’s decorations affecting the operation of wireless Internet communications.