Reviewed: November 7, 2019

Scientific American recently reported that “sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses from seasonal allergies are poised to land more people in the emergency room as temperatures rise. In a study published online in GeoHealth, scientists reported that warmer winters resulting from climate change will lead to more intense pollen from oak trees, spelling more misery for allergy sufferers.” It is clear that this is caused by a rise in outdoor allergens.

Pollen isn’t just an outdoor allergen. It gets into your home through cracks and crevices, comes up from the crawlspace, and comes in the front door on shoes and paws!  And houses concentrate outdoor pollutants/allergens at 5x higher inside because once the particles in the air are sucked in the particles have a difficult time getting out.

To limit the number of allergens like pollen that get (and stay) in your home, there are a few things you can do:

• Always remove your shoes at the door. This goes for house guests as well.
• If this is not possible use two doormats, one outside and one inside of the door that you keep as clean as possible.
• Vacuum carpets regularly with a genuine HEPA vacuum. Not “HEPA like” or “HEPA style. If you have smooth surface flooring be sure to  Swiffer (or the equivalent) at least weekly.
• Air seal the house and add mechanical ventilation. People who add these kinds of systems (HRV’s) typically say they don’t feel their allergies when inside their house.

Poor indoor air quality aggravates many types of allergies as well as asthma. Get your Hayward Score and learn how to make your home healthier (and more comfortable during allergy season and year-round!)

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