Tree, bloom and grass pollens are very volatile and can travel miles through the air, on insects, and on birds. It is impossible to attain 0% exposure, but you can reduce the opportunities of inhalation to alleviate symptoms and reduce triggers.
Some days are worse than others. Weather apps and channels display a daily pollen count forecast that helps get organized and keep informed of peaks.
Stay indoors as much as possible, particularly at the height of pollen activity, typically between 5 am and 10 am.
Pollen particles are microscopic and shutting doors and windows may not be sufficient to keep them from entering and settling on all surfaces. Cracks and deteriorated caulk around openings provide that many access points. Much like you proceed to weatherproof glass doors and windows to optimize energy consumption, especially in summer and winter, take a tour and carefully check seals are in mint conditions. A window or patio door that is slightly out of balance is enough to create an air gap.
Fresh air is healthy. Air-filled with seasonal allergens is not. To keep a comfortable flow and avoid stale air, turn your air conditioner on recirculate so it doesn’t use thee outside air.
Air cleaners equipped with a certified asthma and allergy-friendly® filter are also a good option to improve air quality.
If you’ve had no choice but to spend an extended period of time outdoors, taking the dog for a long walk or at high pollen counts, wash your clothes right when you return home. Wash the pollen off the dog’s hair with a damp cloth (and a hose rinse once a week. Do not use soap too often as it stripped the fur from its natural oil and can expose your four-legged friend to diseases). Lastly, if you feel you’ve been over-exposed, take a shower, since pollen sticks to the skin as well as to anything else.
Spring to fall – when pollen levels change and increase - is a challenging period for people with allergies. But perennial allergies are also quite common in the US, and the 6th leading cause of chronic illness.
Year-round allergens include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and like their pollen cousins stick to everything, nest in rugs and carpeting, and freely travel in the air.
While pollen allergies force people to stay inside and shut doors and windows, you should look to maximize fresh air circulation for the rest of the year. Other best practices suggestions include:
Patio doors are the main entrance points for allergens. Cover Glass installs a frameless glass door system that can actually protect you from exterior pollutants better than any other system.
When spring hits, you can feel safe inside your house but still enjoy the beauty of the season (no visual barriers to make you feel trapped).
When it’s safe to open the house to fresh air again, you benefit from the maximum of air and obstacle-free indoor-outdoor living.