Christmas tree's nothing to sneeze at, but Mold on it might be

Q Can a person be allergic to a Christmas tree? My grandsons seem to sneeze and wheeze whenever they visit during Christmas. Is there anything "green" on the market today that will safely help my situation?

A Some individuals think they are allergic to Christmas trees, but it's actually Mold growing on the evergreens that causes sneezing, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Reduce reactions by shaking your tree thoroughly -- many vendors have a machine that can do this -- and allowing it to dry for a few days in a covered area before bringing it indoors.

An artificial tree, if not exactly green, can be less allergenic. However, it has to be cleaned of dust, and so do the decorations.

A greener alternative is the potted tree, such as a Norfolk pine, kept as a permanent house plant and decorated at Christmas. In some climates (not in Minnesota), the right potted tree can be planted outdoors after Christmas.

But it may not be the tree your visitors are reacting to in your house.

Homes in winter are sources of common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and Molds. These same allergens are around in the summer, but our routines change in winter. We spend more time inside closed-up houses, and so do our pets, and that can intensify exposures.

To prevent problems:

? Keep dust mite and pet dander down by washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water, especially right before your grandsons visit.

? If they are spending the night, consider mattress, pillow covers and other bedding designed to be less permeable to allergens such as dust mites. (Look online for "allergy bedding," or at retailers such as J.C. Penney.)

? Keep indoor allergens to a minimum by mopping, sweeping and dusting. Don't forget to vacuum-clean upholstered furniture.

? Replace furnace air filters to trap allergens. The pleated or high-efficiency filter is better than the conventional furnace filter.