An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. For about
35 million people, airborne pollen or mold spore is the cause. Many of the 15 million
asthma sufferers have this affliction triggered by allergens. The most common environmental
allergens are pollen , mold, dust, and pets.
Pollen
Pollen comes from trees, grasses and weeds, each having a peak season. The severity and
timing of each is specific to a particular region.
Pollen counts are highest on sunny days with dry air. Wind whips pollen up from plants launching it
airborne. The early morning is often the worst time of day. Plants eject pollen at high rates that
accumulates in calm, stable, air. Midday, the pollen is mixed within a deeper layer of the atmosphere
and concentrations near the ground tend to decrease. With the approach of dusk, the atmosphere becomes
stable and pollen increases again.
Days
with rain tend to be the most allergy free. Relief, however, is often short-lived. Allergens return with
vigor as the weather improves. Pollen counts rise rapidly and are joined by mold spores, which are produced
heavily, just two hours after any rain ends.
After a thunderstorm, the risk for asthma attacks increase. It is thought that electrical activity within a
thunderstorm causes suspended pollen particles to release smaller ones that induce more severe respiratory
symptoms when inhaled.
Mold Spores
Mold spores grow indoor and out. In warm, humid climates, grass mold is abundant through much of the
summer. When leaves on the trees are colorful during the fall, leaf mold can be problematic. Levels
subside in late fall when the leaves have fallen and become dry. Household mold is very common, especially
in older homes with basements, peaking at the end of a cool, damp winter. Children are particularly
sensitive to mold.
What Can You Do?
Americans spend billions of dollars each year to control indoor climate. Most of our resources are
spent controlling temperatures. With a small additional investment you can minimize household allergies
and create a more comfortable and healthy environment. This is accomplished by purchasing home air
filtration devices. If forced air is used, one solution is to install an electrostatic air filter
in your furnace. Even more effective is to purchase a room air purifier. These work by altering the
electrical charge of suspended particles neutralizing them and dropping them to the floor.
Medications that treat allergies either reduce inflammation or block histamines that are released by
allergens. Inflammation causes stuffiness, congestion and headache. Histamines cause nasal drip,
sneezing and itching. It is best to discuss treatment options with your physician.
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