Pollen Seasons
For millions of people in the United States who suffer from allergies,
pollen in the air can limit the ability to travel to certain places, or
spend time outdoors with family and friends. Trees, grasses, weeds and
ragweed generally bloom around the same time each year. Therefore, it is
possible for allergy sufferers to know when to expect tree, grass, weed and
ragweed pollen in their area. Pollen can travel in the air for up to twenty
minutes. Allergy sufferers need to know and prepare themselves for the
common outdoor allergens.
 National Allergy Bureau
The National Allergy Bureau is the section of the American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s (AAAAI) Aeroallergen Network that is
responsible for reporting current pollen and mold spore levels to the media.
Learn how to receive pollen counts in your area.
Click on the graphics for a larger image
Helpful Hints for
Minimizing Allergens
- Try to use air conditioning, which cleans,
cools and dries the air.
- Minimize outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times
are usually between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
- Try to stay indoors when humidity is reported to be high, and on windy
days when dust and pollen are blown about.
- Take a shower after spending time outside - pollen can collect on your
skin and hair.
Additional Information:
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Can you match these allergy causing
plants? |
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2. |
3. |
4. |
5. |
6. |
7. |
8. |
A) Red Oak
There are many species of the Oak tree. Most oaks make acorns, the usually
large, capped oak seeds. Oaks usually bloom in early June.
B) Box Elder
Box elders are small trees. The leaves are light green, gray-green beneath,
and yellow in the fall. Pollen flowers and seed flowers occur in early
spring.
C) Pigweed
Pigweed is found throughout the United States. Pigweeds are a problem in
rural fields. Flowering usually begins in July
D) Plantain
Plantain is widely distributed and is often found in lawns. Plantain pollen
is very often a potent hay fever irritant.
E) Orchard Grass
Grasses are important sources of allergenic pollens. Although there are many
species of grasses that grow in North America, only a few produce highly
allergenic pollen
F) Mulberry
Mulberry is an ornamental tree and unfortunately one of the most allergenic.
The tree bears fruit, mulberry. The airborne mulberry pollen blooms in late
March and peaks in mid April.
G) Ragweed
Pollen released from ragweed is the airborne allergen most responsible for
the onslaught of allergy symptoms. It is found along roadsides, vacant lots,
fields and almost any other sunny spot.
H) Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is mostly found in Southern United States. It can grow in
gardens and dirt alleys. Pollen blooms in late spring.
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Key: A) 3; B) 7; C) 5; D) 1; E) 8; F) 4; G) 6; H) 2 |
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