How to tame those autumn allergies.

PositionAir Quality

Many people regard spring as the prime pollen season, but one type reaches peak levels during the early fall: ragweed, a flower that can cause allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, which affects approximately 23,000,000 people in the U.S., points out Blueair AB, an international indoor air cleaning technology company. About 75% of those who are allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed and its fine-powder pollen. Even if it does not grow on your home turf, it can travel for hundreds of miles thanks to the wind.

Local newspapers and TV news websites often publish daily reports on pollen counts. When the numbers are high, stay indoors if you can, especially during peak hours (usually mid morning to early afternoon) and keep your doors and windows shut.

When outdoors, wear a filter mask. When driving, keep windows completely closed and, when you return home, remove your shoes and jacket before going inside, as you do not want to bring any pollen into your dwelling.

Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently, and wash your clothes, linens, and curtains regularly. Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry. For pet owners, dogs and cats should be bathed often.

Mold, meanwhile, is a fungi that often grows in damp areas in a house, such as basements or bathrooms, but gardens also are an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, as they thrive in piles of damp leaves and composts.

...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT