Pollen Maps: What's In The Air? Map

Pollen Maps: What's In The Air? | Air Quality | Grass Pollen | Tree Pollen | Weed Pollen

Very High

Almost all individuals with any sensitivity at all to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms. Extremely sensitive people could have severe symptoms.

High

Most individuals with any sensitivity to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

Moderate

Many individuals sensitive to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

Low*

Only individuals extremely sensitive to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

None*

Allergy sufferers with sensitivity to these pollens and molds will probably not experience any symptoms.

* Early seasonal exposure to high amounts of air-borne allergens in individuals sensitive to allergy pollens will "prime" an individual to react to even the smallest amounts of pollens later in the season. Lower recorded daily pollen counts following higher seasonal pollination patterns may not provide any relief to allergy sufferers who have been repeatedly exposed to pollens during the season.

What are pollens?

Pollens are transmitted from plant to plant in several ways. Depending on the size and the weight of the pollen, they may be carried via the wind, sometimes requiring certain environmental conditions such as humidity or temperature for transmission. Insects also carry pollens from plant to plant.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not the pollen from flowers that is the major source of most people's allergies. Most people react to wind-pollinated (anemophilious) plants. That's because wind-pollinated plants have light weight pollens -- smaller, dry, smooth pollen grains that more easily travel from plant to plant on the wind. In addition, when it's pollination season, plants release into the air extremely large numbers of pollen ovules, which become the primary source of allergen irritants.

What are the typical pollens that people are allergic to?

If you have allergies, you should take the time to do a little botanical investigation of your neighborhood, as well as determine the plant pollination cycles typical to your area of the country. By understanding these cycles, you may be able to minimize your allergy suffering.

What causes an allergic reaction to pollens?

Pollen enters the nose or eyes and lands on mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Mucous membranes contain mast cells coated with IgE antibodies that function in the body's immune system. When the mast cells of allergy prone patients are exposed to pollens, the antibodies cause the release of histamines from the cells. This causes dilation of blood capillaries, contraction of nasal and bronchial muscles, runny nose, watery eyes, and swelling of membranes -- all typical symptoms of allergies.

Mold

People allergic to molds can have symptoms from spring to late fall, and usually peak from July to late summer. Like pollens, mold spores are important allergens only if they are easily carried by wind or air currents. Molds are prevalent in the Midwest, where they grow on grains such as corn, wheat, oat, and barley. In the humid areas of the United States, however, molds thrive all year and can cause year-round allergic problems. Mold spores significantly decrease at high altitudes and in dry regions of the country. Indoor mold can cause perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms for allergy sufferers even in the coldest of climates. Damp basements, closets, and bathrooms are prime spots for indoor mold activity.

Is the air you’re breathing making you sick? Whether you’re allergic to pollen or just wondering about pollution, you’ve come to the right place. Just click on the designated maps to find out how your air stacks up. Or go directly to the "city-by-city" map to see how your town compares to others.