Getting sick while making a Christmas tree... with a whopping amount of bacteria

Up to 5 Times More Bacteria Than Toilet Seats
Be Sure to Wash Hands Before and After Setting Up Christmas Trees

With Christmas just two days away, more households are setting up Christmas trees to celebrate the year-end. However, despite their festive appearance, the hygiene condition of Christmas trees is generally poor. Some Christmas trees were found to harbor up to five times more bacteria than a typical toilet seat.

On the 17th, the UK Daily Mail reported on a study conducted by Initial Washroom Hygiene, a British hygiene service company. The research team collected 25 decorations, including Christmas trees, baubles, tree lights, and tree ornaments, from five ordinary households and examined the level of contamination using swabs for testing.

With Christmas just two days away, more homes are setting up Christmas trees to celebrate the year-end. However, although they look festive, the hygiene condition of Christmas trees is generally found to be poor. Pixabay

The team measured contamination levels using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bioluminescence technology, which indicates the amount of microorganisms present. Contamination levels were expressed in RLU (Relative Light Units). The study found that more than two-thirds (68%) of the decorations showed high contamination levels exceeding 500 RLU. This is significantly higher compared to the average RLU of 220 found on toilet seats. Some decorations measured over 1000 RLU.

Looking at contamination by item, Christmas tree storage boxes recorded the highest average at 845 units, followed by the Christmas tree itself at 780 units, bauble decorations at 610 units, and Christmas wreaths at 430 units. In contrast, Christmas lights showed a relatively lower contamination level of 286 units. Typically, Christmas decorations are left stored in boxes throughout the year. The research team analyzed that accumulated dust and bacteria during this period are likely to cause 'cross-contamination' when decorations are taken out, handed over, and installed. They also advised washing hands before and after installing Christmas decorations and wiping decorations with disinfectant or antibacterial cloths when taking them out or putting them away. Initial also explained that it is best to seal decorations tightly to prevent dust and bacteria from entering and to clean storage boxes regularly.

Jamie Woodhall, the lead researcher, emphasized, "Cross-contamination occurs as multiple people handle the decorations during installation," adding, "Since over 80% of infections are transmitted through hands, special caution is required." He further added, "Proper hygiene management is essential to fully enjoy the joy that Christmas decorations bring."