How Can Pollen and Mold Counts by ZIP Code Help Manage Allergies?
Local pollen and mold counts help people manage their allergies by providing information about adverse conditions that might cause an allergic reaction, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. High pollen and mold counts in a particular ZIP code alert people in that area to limit their outdoor activity.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction are controlled by limiting contact with allergens, the substances that cause a reaction, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. When mold spores and pollen are breathed in, they can cause sneezing and coughing, runny nose, swollen eyes and asthma. Information about how much pollen and mold is in the air helps people manage these symptoms. Measurements are usually taken over a 24-hour period, and they may not reflect current conditions.
Weather affects the amount of pollen and mold in the air, but seasonal changes are more important, explains the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Weeds generally pollinate in the late summer and fall, resulting in more pollen in the air. Different kinds of mold spores appear in various weather conditions, and reactions to them are most common from July to late summer. Warm, breezy weather results in a high pollen count, and wet, chilly weather results in lower counts. Weeds release a large amount of pollen early in the morning, and this creates high pollen counts around these plants.
