Credits: Social Media
How to pollen-proof your home as hayfever season arrives
With the 2024 hayfever season now in full spring, you might want to lock up your home with pollen-proof preventatives to avoid those pesky symptoms.�
It is reported that hayfever affects around 26% of adults and 19% of children, meaning over 80 million Americans are suffering from symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy skin.�
Hayfever season 2024
Thanks to climate change, hayfever season kicks off earlier and earlier with each passing year.�It’s even said that North American pollen seasons are 20 days longer than they were in 1990.
“Omaha, Nebraska, is 20 days early, Indianapolis is 14 days early, and New York City is 10 days early compared to a long-term average of 1991-2020, claims the USA National Phenology Network.�
In 2024, experts at Accuweather predicted a three-pronged pollen attack as pollen from trees kicks off the early attack. This will soon be followed by an “intense and prolonged” grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen in late summer and early autumn.
In terms of the worst affected areas, Accuweather speculated on Wichita, Kansas, being the worst hit. This city was followed by Virginia Beach, Greenville, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.
How to pollen-proof your home
As if the length of pollen season was not enough, symptoms are also expected to grow more intense as global temperatures soar.
Dr John Costa told The Guardian: The intensity of the symptoms has increased, which means what used to be responsive to maybe just one pill used sporadically now requires absolutely an allergy pill but also maybe a nasal anti-inflammatory steroid spray as well.”
There are, of course, some steps you can take to mitigate some of the horrendous effects, but don’t flee inside under the impression you will be safe. You won’t be.
Arguably the most important step is keeping your windows shut during high-pollen times to keep those annoying particles away. This effect can be reinforced by using blackout curtains, which act as a barrier in between the outside world and your home.
Another worthwhile venture could be investing in hypoallergenic bedding, which is specifically created to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction. Dehumidifiers and air purifiers are also a worthy purchase but you need a good quality one to properly reap the benefits.
Unfortunately, a lot of homes are unintentionally built to be efficient pollen traps. If you’re not financially able to replace your carpets with hardwood flooring, then the next best bet is to keep your home as tidy and clean as possible at all times.
Plants could be your best friend during the 2024 hayfever season
Though it might seem silly to combat your plant-born issue with more foliage, there are some species that are brilliant weapons in your pollen war.
Plant expert Fiona Jenkins previously outlined a few of her favorite plant friends in a 2023 article with MyJobQuote. Up first was the peace lily, which is known to filter formaldehyde and trichloroethylene in the air.
Aloe Vera, which is a very low-maintenance plant, is a great addition to the home as it produces oxygen during the nighttime hours. On her list, Fiona also included Eucalyptus, Dracaena, Areca Palm, Devil’s Ivy, and Spider Plant.
