Seasonal Allergies and Pollen: What You Need to Know
Itâs allergy season again, and millions of Americans are struggling with symptoms caused by high pollen levels. The types of pollen vary by region and local vegetation, but one thing is universal: everyone is searching for effective allergy relief to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
For those in northern states, spring is a welcome change after months of cold weatherâbut outdoor activities can be tough when youâre constantly sneezing and battling sinus congestion.
How Big Is Pollen?
In Table 1, youâll find a list of common trees and flowers along with their pollen sizes in microns. For reference, most face masks filter particles down to 0.3 microns, which means they can block pollen effectively. However, wearing a mask all day isnât practical for everyoneâespecially for outdoor workers or those who frequently enter public spaces like stores or banks.
TABLE 1
Can Masks Help With Allergies?
While masks are often worn to prevent spreading colds or viruses, they can also reduce pollen exposure significantly. Limiting mask use to outdoor activities may help allergy sufferers breathe easier without the discomfort of wearing a mask all day.
