If your eyes are burning, your nose is running, and you have a dull headache because of the thick layer of pollen that has suddenly covered the earth, you probably have a pollen allergy. Here are probably some old ideas, and hopefully some new ones to allow you to enjoy the season until the pollen that is affecting you is gone.

• Invest in a high efficiency particle arresting HEPA air purifier to remove the pollen and let it run continuously to filter the pollen from your indoor air. Pollen size varies from approximately 10 to 10,000 microns, and a HEPA air purifier removes airborne pollutants including pollen and many other pollutants as small as .3 microns.

• Park in a garage. If your home has one, now is a great time to put your car in the garage each night to eliminate the thick layer of pollen that accumulates. If you drive to work, try parking in an open space rather than under trees to lessen the pollen that will fall on your car. If possible, see if there is a garage that you can park in while at work to keep you car pollen free.

• Clear the walkways to your home. Have someone who is not sensitive to pollen use water to clear the walkways and steps to avoid tracking the pollen into your home or office.

• Keep the windows closed. Even a slight breeze, regardless of how wonderful it feels, will bring in thousands of pollen particles.

• If you are an avid gardener or just want to be outside, wear a high efficiency particle arresting HEPA mask. These can be found at your local hardware store. Of course a mask probably is not something you would feel comfortable wearing to a party, but if you are in the yard around your home, a mask will surely help.

Using a HEPA air purifier, parking in a garage, clearing the paths to your home and/or office, keeping the windows closed, and wearing a mask when possible will help improve your quality of life, and make the most of the pollen season.

Take good care,

Debbie Davis