Summertime Challenges for Allergy Sufferers

Summertime Challenges for Allergy Sufferers

When the topic of the worst allergy season comes up most people would respond saying springtime, due to all the flowers and trees blooming and all the pollen that is released into the air. While springtime can be bad for allergy and asthma sufferers, people that have these conditions understand that summer can be just as bad, if not worse. Summertime activities keep adults and children outdoors, and more exposed to allergens, for a greater amount of time.

Summer Plant Growth and Pollen

Many grasses like to pollinate in the summertime heat. Also, people are constantly mowing their lawns. Summer breezes stir grass pollen from freshly mown grass and easily pick the pollen up into the air that we breathe. While ragweed is considered to be a pollen problem in the fall, ragweed actually begins to bloom in late July and August, adding to the grass pollen problem.

Here is a list of the more common plants, trees, and grasses that can cause allergic reactions:

• Ragweed
• Thistle
• Timothy grass
• Bermuda grass
• Blue grass
• Birch trees
• Oak trees
• Cedar trees

Summer Heat Means Summer Bugs

Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants are the most common stinging insects that can cause an allergic reaction. Along with the sting, these insects inject a toxin that can cause a life-threatening reaction in those people that are allergic to it.

Then there are biting insects to deal with. Mosquitoes, fleas and biting flies are at the top of the list. Their bites are rarely life threatening, but redness, itching and swelling can occur around the bite area.

Now add in the non-stinging and non-biting insects that are around during the summer months. Cockroaches and dust mites are more active in the heat. Their waste products and body parts can trigger asthma symptoms and allergic reactions.

How Does Humidity Cause Allergic Reactions?

During the summer people spend a lot of time around water; at the lake, in the backyard pool, at the waterpark. High humidity and damp conditions create an excellent breeding ground for outdoor mold. Mold allergies are one of the most common allergens for sensitive individuals.

Because of the higher summertime humidity, people tend to spend equal amounts of time indoors, away from the heat and humidity. According to the EPA, indoor air is considered to be anywhere from 2 to 5 times higher in air pollutants than outdoors air. Some of the biggest contributors to poor indoor air quality are dust, dust mites, and mold.

Mold and Summer Allergies

It is estimated that 70% of U.S. homes have mold.  It is also estimated that 28% of people are predisposed to mold-related health problems. Here are 4 surprising facts about mold and mold allergies:

• Mold grows quickly in heat and high humidity
• Mold allergies can trigger asthma
• In the summer, it is outdoor mold that most often causes allergy symptoms
• People usually have a delayed reaction to mold, symptoms get worse over time

How to Avoid Summertime Allergies

In what ways can you avoid summertime allergy attacks:

Check air quality reports – Most newspapers and TV news stations have reports on outdoor air quality levels. When air quality is poor, staying inside or planning indoor activities can help avoid exposure to allergens.

Control your home’s humidity – For ideal indoor humidity, it is best to maintain  levels between 30%-50%. You can use dehumidifiers and A/C units to control your home’s humidity

Maintain a clean home – Regular dusting and vacuuming will keep allergens to a minimum. Perform these tasks twice as often as you normally would and use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter is designed to reduce 99.97% of dust particles.

Ventilate your home – Open a window to let in fresh air. Turn on exhaust fans when cooking or bathing. Use ceiling fans to “stir” the air and create soft breezes. Doing this will lower humidity and help remove other air pollutants, like cleaning product fumes and cooking odors.

Keep an eye out for mold – Mold will thrive in warmer temperatures when any type of moisture is present. Be aware of leaks, drips, and piles of wet clothing like towels and swimsuits.

It is Wise to Seek Professional Help for Mold Removal

Getting mold removal advice online can be dangerous. Often the advice these mold “experts” provide can cause you more trouble than the mold does in the first place. Here’s why:

• Bleach and water will not do the job. There is usually more mold that can’t be seen than there is that is visible. Bleach is 96% water and will not penetrate porous materials, the place where most of the mold is hiding.
• When you attempt to remove mold, mold spores are released into the air. These mold spores are easily inhaled and can travel to other unaffected parts of your home.
• Special cleaners marketed to the public as mold killers and cleaners, and your hard scrubbing, will not remove all of the mold. As soon as the proper conditions for mold growth return, the mold will return also.
• Your health and your family’s health can be at risk. Precautions need to be taken to protect workers, residents, and to prevent the spreading of any mold spores. Sometimes you just don’t know how mold may affect different individuals.

Water Mold Fire Restoration Stands Ready to Help

Whenever mold is discovered, or is thought to be the problem, in your home calling Water Mold Fire Restoration is a smart decision. Our certified mold removal specialists are ready to assist you with any type of mold issue you may have. Call us at 800-905-0277 and we can be at your home in one hour or less. Our inspection and estimate are totally free of charge or obligation. We can be reached any time of the day or night. If you would rather contact us via mail, you can do so at help@watermoldfire.net.