Ragweed pollen has been found for the first time in the 2014 allergy reporting season.
Once again, ragweed pollen has returned to plague our sinuses. According to a statement from the Loyola University Health System, ragweed was recently included in the Gottlieb Allergy count for the first time in the 2014 allergy reporting season. Tree pollen season typically occurs from March to May, grass from May to June, weeds from mid-August to October and mold all year depending on levels of dampness. However, ragweed pollen normally makes its appearance around the middle of August and stays until October before dissipating, causing allergies in 10 to 20 percent of all Americans.
“The ragweed pollen is showing up about one week earlier this year than last year,” Dr. Joseph Leija, who measures the allergen levels, said in the statement. “With the high mold count and moderate weed count, the presence of ragweed will make breathing difficult for many.”
Dr. Leija is the only allergist in the Midwest who has been certified by the National Allergy Bureau to report the Midwest’s official allergy count. Using a pollen-catching device first developed in Britain during World War II, the doctor records air particles in 2-minute intervals over a 24 hour period and applies an algorithm created by the National Allergy Bureau to come to an official estimate of allergen activity. The final tally is usually announced daily by 7 a.m. in the interest of giving people enough time to take the appropriate types and dosages of medication or activate a home air purifier.
Being aware of local air quality is essential for many people who can’t function normally due to allergies. If you’re looking to deal with the troublesome air in your area with affordable air purifiers for the the office or the home, be sure to shop with US Air Purifiers Direct 2U today for all of the products you need.