How can I eliminate or reduce exposure to pollen allergens?

Pollen is produced by trees, grasses, and weeds. It is microscopic (too small to see) and floats in the air. The key to eliminating or reducing exposure to pollen is to keep outside air out, or filter it before it comes inside.

• If possible, keep windows and outside doors shut during pollen season, especially during the daytime.
• If you have central or room air conditioning, use it to allow you to keep windows and outside doors shut.
• Use of swamp coolers is discouraged because of the increased potential for dust mite and mold growth, which both thrive in humidity.
• Consider buying an air filtration device such as an ionic air cleaner, or "HEPA" air cleaner to remove pollen from the air inside your house.
• Consider pollen counts when planning outdoor activities. It may help to limit your outdoor activities during the times of highest pollen and mold counts.
• Outdoor activities may be better tolerated after a gentle, sustained rain. Encourage hand washing after outdoor play to avoid transferring pollen from the hands to the eyes and nose.
• If you are outdoors during high pollen counts, take a shower and wash your hair when you come inside.
• If you are outdoors during high pollen counts, change your clothes (not in your bedroom) when you come indoors and leave these clothes in the laundry room.
• Dry laundry in a dryer only; avoid hanging clothes outside to dry.
• Drive with your windows closed. If it is hot, use your air conditioner.
• Keep pets that spend time outdoors out of the bedroom. In addition to animal dander allergens, they may carry and deposit pollen stuck to their fur.

Today's Denver pollen count.

Learn more about peak pollen times and peak pollen seasons.

Learn more about allergies to pollen.

This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, MD (March 2008).