Are you encountering a myriad of these symptoms: runny nose, itchy throat, coughing, or sneezing?
Granted, these could be due to some underlying allergies. But guess what, Seattle? It’s pollen season! If you’re experiencing this now, there are high chances that it’s not a coincidence. Get them checked out.
The pollen season in Seattle is from February to September. Those who experience allergies in late winter and spring may be more sensitive to pollen from trees, while those experiencing allergies in summer may be sensitive to pollen from grasses or weeds. May is the month when these pollens meet in the middle.
Once you establish the pollen count in Seattle, you can rest easy! But why is knowing the pollen count important? Time to jump in and find out!
Count Your Pollen Before They Hatch!
Pollen might be a familiar term for the people of Seattle. After all, February to September is when pollen season strikes in full force.
To define pollen, it is a mass of microspores present in a seed plant. These microspores travel in their dust form and search for a female gamete. As a result, they are present everywhere in the air and can lead to health complications.
Keeping track of the pollen count lets everyone know the amount of pollen present in a cubic meter of air. This is especially useful since individuals with pollen allergies can be warned when the levels seem high.
Air Quality Index
You might have heard this term thrown around a lot. The air quality index (AQI) is a standard measurement that reveals air quality at that time.
Naturally, more pollen in the air results in a lower index rating. As a matter of fact, urban residents reported higher allergies than rural residents. The discrepancy was due to the fact that urban environments contain more chemicals that react with the pollens.
AQI runs on a scale of 0-500. As the value increases, it signifies an increase in pollution, and as a result, your worries.
When reading an AQI, any value that reads below 100 is considered satisfactory. Above 100 signifies an unhealthy air quality.
Color Coding
AQI values are generally color-coded to demonstrate the level of urgency they require. The scale consists of six levels – from least to most hazardous. Given below are the ratings as originally specified.
- Green is good, and the values on the scale are from 0 to 50. It signifies that the air quality is satisfactory.
- Yellow is moderate, with values ranging from 51 to 100. This level represents that the air quality is acceptable but still unfit for some groups.
- Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, with values ranging from 101-150. This level claims that members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.
- Red is unhealthy, with values ranging from 151-200. The description here states that the air quality is harmful to some members of the general public.
- Purple is very unhealthy, with values ranging from 201 to 300. This level is considered a health alert and poses a health risk for everyone.
- Maroon is considered very hazardous. The values here scale more than This level is regarded as a health warning of emergency conditions. It claims that everyone is most likely to get affected.
Conclusion
It is essential to know the pollen count in your area to help deal with them better. For people with allergies, it gives them a heads up whether to head out for the day or not.
So, keep track of your air, Seattle! By knowing the proper pollen count in Seattle, you can be ready and avoid allergies.
The air should be your friend, not your enemy!
