Air Pollution is an invisible enemy for Allergies
Outdoor air pollution is a global problem that has a major impact on our health. But did you know that indoor air pollutants can be up to five times more concentrated than outdoor air pollutants? The way we cook, clean and live pollutes the air inside, and is compounded by the fact that we spend up to 90% of our lives indoors.
Types of Allergies
There are many types of allergies. Some allergies are seasonal and others are year-round. Some allergies may be life-long.
Seasonal Allergies:
People who suffer from allergies can feel miserable year-round, but there are particular seasons that are worse than others. While you may assume spring (February –May) is the worst time for allergies, you may be surprised to find that fall and winter are just as bad, depending on the type of allergies a person suffers from.
April & May: Beware Tree Allergies
In Canada and parts of the USA, April and May are the worst months for people with tree allergies. Trees like ash, alder, oak and walnut produce large amounts of airborne pollen.
June and July: The Worst for Grass Allergies
This is when the pollens from grass are spreading their pollen. Lower pollen counts for grasses cause less severe symptoms however grass pollination last longer with grasses, so people with grass pollen allergies usually have their symptoms last longer. Symptoms include itchy and watery eyes
Mid-July Mold Blooms
People who suffer from allergies to mold and outdoor fungi feel their allergies are worse in the late summer. But there are also those individuals who suffer year-round, because they suffer from multiple allergy types.
August-October- The Dreaded Ragweed Season
From August to October, ragweed produces a lot of pollen in the air causing a lot of misery for allergy sufferers.
Why have allergies become worse this year?
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our day to day routine. The ‘new normal’ is comprised of lockdowns, curfews, work from home, online classes and a general advice to stay indoors which has made it essential to ensure the indoor quality of the air is high.
People with Allergies may be at higher risk for contracting COVID-19, due to several reasons:
While there are many things that contribute to the invisible enemy in the indoor spaces, the good news is there are some simple things we can do to reduce the indoor air pollution levels in our homes.
The first and best option is to avoid contact with allergens. Other prevention tips are:
Allergy and asthma control begins at home. Many people with allergies stay indoors when pollen and mold is high. But dust mites, pet dander and even cockroaches can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends three ways you can improve indoor air quality:
Read studies here: https://www.airpura.com/pages/research-and-studies
Written by Husna Sultana