To protect yourself and your family against pollen and to minimize the effects of the allergy season, consider taking the following recommended steps:
When Indoors:
• Close all windows and doors
• Turn the air conditioner or heater on when pollen levels are high
• Use a cheesecloth to cover air conditioning vents for filtration of the pollen
• Change out the filters in your system regularly – HEPA air filters are recommended
• Dust with a moist cloth
• Clean your home with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner each week
• Bathe pets frequently
When Outdoors:
• Close car windows
• Keep the air conditioner or heater on, in recirculation mode
• For extreme cases, cover your nose and mouth with a painter’s mask
• If outdoors for a long period of time, be sure to shower and change clothes upon arriving home
It is also important to pay attention to daily pollen counts. The highest pollen counts – between 9.7 and 12.0 – occur on warm, windy days and the lowest levels – between 0 and 2.4 – occur on cool, rainy days. Click here to check today’s pollen levels in your area. |