Introduction
Pollen counts are a great way to know what's in the air and how bad it might be for your allergies. But finding a pollen count isn't always easy, especially if you live in an area where the weather is often cloudy or rainy. When you can't find a pollen count online, there are several ways you can estimate one for yourself based on local weather patterns.
Learn about how pollen counts work and what they mean for your health—and then check out some tips for coping with high pollen counts!
Learn how pollen counts work.
Pollen count is the measure of how much pollen is in the air. It's usually expressed as the number of grains of pollen per cubic meter (gr/m3), and it can vary depending on where you live and what time of year it is.
For example, if your city has a high pollen count in July and August, you might be sensitive to local grasses or trees that bloom during that time. If your city has low counts during these months, however, then things are likely going to be much less bothersome for you!
Pollen counts are an important part of allergy management because they'll tell you how bad things will be—and when they'll get worse.
Pollination is absolutely vital to life on earth.
Pollination is absolutely vital to life on earth. Without it, we wouldn't have the plants that provide us with food, water and oxygen. We wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for pollination!
We need pollination because most plants rely on insects and birds to aid their reproduction by transferring pollen from one flower to another during the process of pollination.
Pollinators are also essential for a wide range of important ecosystem services: they contribute an estimated $1-2 billion per year in pest control; help maintain diverse plant species diversity; increase crop yields by 30%; prevent soil erosion through soil nutrient cycling; and support wildlife habitat.
When pollen gets into the air, it spreads quickly.
Pollen is a very small particle, so it can travel a long way. It can be carried by the wind, though not as well as dust or larger particles. Pollen can also travel through water and soil, meaning that even if you don't see pollen in the air right now, it could still be wreaking havoc on your allergies.
Pollen gets into the air when plants release it to fertilize other plants of their species. Usually this happens at night when there is less wind and less movement of pollen-laden air because fewer people are outside then than during the day.
The air in your home may be cleaner or dirtier than outdoors.
The air in your home may be cleaner or dirtier than outdoors. Air quality inside your home is affected by many factors, including the pollutants from outdoor air that come inside through open windows and doors, indoor pollution produced by things like household cleaners, and even the foods you cook.
Some people are especially sensitive to certain types of pollen or molds. If you're one of them and there's no way to avoid being outside when these allergens are in the air, make sure to keep windows closed as much as possible while they're around. And if you start sneezing during allergy season (or any time at all), try removing carpets from bedrooms—they can trap dust particles that contribute to allergies and asthma attacks.
Pollen counts vary depending on where you live.
While pollen counts are high in many areas of the United States, they vary depending on where you live. For example, people living in the Southwest may experience lower-than-average pollen counts during certain seasons. And those living near large bodies of water may find that their area is less prone to high pollen levels than surrounding cities. Pollen can also be more or less severe from year to year—a season with little rain might see higher concentrations of allergens because there's no precipitation to wash them away!
This means that it's important for you and your family members who suffer from allergies—or even just mild reactions—to pay attention to local pollen reports when planning your spring activities.
Research has shown that high counts also mean more intense reactions to potentially harmful substances.
Research has shown that high pollen counts also mean more intense reactions to potentially harmful substances. Think of it like this: If you're trying to drive a nail into a board, but there's so much dust in the air that your hammer can't land squarely on the nail, then that's going to make it harder for you to hit your target and get the job done—no matter how good a driver you are. And when it comes down to allergies, landing only half of your blows won't help matters much either.
If you think about it logically, it makes sense: If there's too much pollen in the air around us, we'll have less exposure time with each individual particle than if there were fewer particles floating around us at any given moment (which would mean more exposure time). So people who live in areas where high pollen counts are normal should be prepared for more severe reactions from allergens affecting them during high-pollen seasons—especially if these individuals don't take steps beforehand to reduce their exposure levels by staying indoors or wearing masks outdoors on bad days.
Pay attention to pollen counts where you live, and learn what you can do about them.
When it comes to pollen, you need to know your area. Different regions have different levels of pollen, and these counts can change quickly. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology recommends that you check the local weather report for the day before going outside so you know what type of protection to wear or whether getting out is even an option. Also, keep track of what kinds of plants are blooming at different times during the year: if there's a lot of ragweed or goldenrod in your neighborhood during August, it might be wise to take extra precautions against allergy symptoms as they tend to be more intense when those particular plants are in bloom.
Conclusion
Pollen counts can be high or low, depending on where you live. The air inside your home may be cleaner or dirtier than outdoors. Pay attention to pollen counts where you live and learn what you can do about them.