Tree pollen allergy: What about burning wood?

January 14, 2004

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, "Persons allergic to tree pollen may also be allergic to the wood, and suffer when it is burned."

However, most medical authorities I've consulted or worked with recognize the smoke as an irritant rather than an allergen. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics lists smoke from wood (or from cigarettes) as "indoor air pollution" under triggers of asthma.

A study published in the Annals of Allergy and Immunology in 1995 concluded that "while smoke from burning mountain cedar trees may be irritating, it contains no allergens that could cause allergic rhinoconjunctivitis [runny nose/itchy, watery eyes]."

What most experts do agree on is that wood often contains mold as well as dust mites. For persons allergic to these allergens, having wood logs nearby may cause real problems.

Most experts also agree that smoke can trigger an allergy attack, especially in asthmatics. So can perfumes and other irritants. While we may not have an allergy to substances like smoke, perfume, cleaning solutions, pollutants from industry, car exhaust, etc., most all of us are affected by these irritants. For the person who has allergies, their allergic trigger may be more sensitive in air polluted by these common irritants.

Suggestions:

• Keep wood logs outside until ready to burn.
• Change heating/cooling filters regularly.
• Have air ducts cleaned by a professional.
• Use an air purifier to promote clean air in the indoor environment.
• Smokers should be asked to go outside before they light up.
• Choose cleaners designed to clean better with fewer chemicals.

If you need help finding cleaners, our sponsor National Allergy Supply offers a whole page of cleaners created to be friendly to those with allergies.

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