Accuweather Mold Count (2024)

FAQs

What is a low pollen count? ›

Pollen counts of 50 or less are considered low, while 1,000 or more is very high⁵. These measures can differ slightly according to pollen type. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, sometimes referred to as hay fever, pollen count can make a big difference to how severe they are.

Visit the National Allergy Bureau at AAAAI.org/nab for pollen count information. Visit airnow.gov for Environmental Protection Agency air quality alerts. Both websites also have apps available for smartphones and tablets.

Each plant species releases its pollen at a different time of year, but spring and fall tend to have the highest concentrations.

Mid-February marks the start of allergy season in New Jersey. Unfortunately, it doesn't end until the first freeze in winter. The worst months for allergies are April, May, June, and September when tree, grass, and weed pollens are at their peak.

As a result, a high overall pollen count doesn't always indicate a strong concentration of the specific pollen to which you're allergic. The opposite can be true, too: The pollen count might be low, but you might find yourself around one of the pollens that triggers your allergies.

The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores.

The worst month for allergies will vary based on where you live. Across the United States, May typically is the worst. In May, most of the country sees elevated pollen counts. This includes both trees and the beginning of some grass pollens.

Allergy Plus

If you suffer from allergies, receiving accurate, timely information can help you consistently manage your allergen exposure. Pollen's Allergy Plus app provides you with five-day environmental allergy and weather forecasts, and you can track your symptoms with an allergy diary.

Pollen: Rain prevents pollen from traveling and can be a relief for some people with this common allergy. However, it can also increase pollen exposure when pollen is broken into smaller particles. Pollen counts also sometimes increase significantly right after rainstorms.

Does wearing a mask help with allergies? ›

New research has shown that masks aren't just a helpful way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other infections. They can also help reduce allergies by blocking allergen particles. You might see benefits from wearing masks if you have pollen, mold, dust, pet, and other allergies.

Second-generation antihistamines: The preferred first-step agent is certirizine (Zyrtec); others include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra). All are taken once per day and are generally cause little to no drowsiness. We recommend cetirizine for initial treatment.

Northern New Jersey

Oak, maple, and birch trees are abundant in the northern area of the state, and release large amounts of pollen during spring months, leading to symptoms such as congestion, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Ragweed, a common weed in the region, also contributes to fall allergies.

And the cause of this longer, more intense allergy season? Climate change. “There's higher amounts of pollen due to rising greenhouse gasses and more CO2 in the air, which plants thrive off of,” Parikh tells CNBC Make It.

Atlanta's record pollen count and growth

Pollen season has its extremes. Sometimes, the daily pollen count reaches above 3,000 to 4,000 grains per cubic meters. Our record highest pollen count was 9,369 grains per cubic meter back on March 20, 2012.

THE ARID SOUTHWEST

Vibrant cities like Phoenix, Ariz. and Santa Fe, N.M. are also ideal for travel because their desert-like landscapes mean less pollination.

Amounts and Dosage

Bee pollen is usually consumed 3 times a day before a meal. In a therapeutic study, adults were given 20-40 grams of bee pollen per day. However, researchers believe that effective amounts of bee pollen vary based on age, health, and other conditions.