Pollen and Mold Control

Pollen consists of fine powder constituting the male reproductive function of many plants including tree, grass, and weeds. This pollen must reach the female part of the plant (usually by wind or insect) for plant fertilization to take place.

Molds are a low form of plant life which, having no chlorophyll, are unable to make their own food and must feed on living or dead organic matter. This means that mold can grow on anything of plant or animal origin. These fungi require no sunlight as do chlorophyll bearing plants but can grow and thrive in total darkness in the ground, in caves, or in tree trunks. The spores are air borne by winds, insects, and man. These spores are microscopically small and can be carried by the air for many miles.

Pollen and mold spores carried by air currents can be difficult to escape, but excessive exposure should be avoided and the following suggestions should be helpful in this respect.

Pollen and Outdoor Mold

During your allergy season (when pollen or mold spore counts are high):

• Try to avoid being outdoors on windy days.
• Do your nasal wash after being outdoors to wash out inhaled pollen/mold after being outdoors. Also, take a shower, wash hair, and change clothing after working or playing outdoors.
• Try to keep your windows closed (house, car).
• Ask your doctor whether you need to take/increase your medications prior to when your allergy season starts.

Indoor Mold

• Fix leaking faucets, pipes, or other sources of water.
• Clean moldy surfaces.
• Dehumidify areas and avoid using humidifiers.