Blog Tag: outdoor allergens

Spring! The time of year when all the flowers bloom, the leave come out on the trees and the lawn needs to be cut three times a week due to the spring rain. Whether you use a push power mower or ride on one the amount of particulate that is cast into the air during the cutting process is amazing. Even if you use a bagger on your super-duper, riding, turn on a dime, mower, you really should wear a mask when cutting the grass.

Aside from small grass particles being thrown into the air around you there are particles that contain some of the lawn fertilizer you spread on the grass to make it green and grow thick. And, when you mow over weeds or dandelions you take the risk of throwing a number of potential allergens into your breathing space.

When it comes to the type of mask you should wear, we are not talking about a bio-chemical warfare type mask, but a good dust mask like the ones used when sanding wood. They are available at  any hardware or discount store and many can be reused. The mask should fit comfortably over your nose and mouth and have an adjustable elastic strap for proper tension on your face. It should also have a minimal amount of resistance when you breathe so it doesn’t create a labored breathing problem. There are hundreds of masks available on line but the ones you purchase at Walmart work very well.

For people with allergies, hay fever and asthma wearing a mask when cutting grass or working anywhere in your yard is a must. Even if you are not doing any work just walking around the yard all types of grass and plant spores are coming out especially in the spring.  And if your neighbors lawn is being sprayed with some form of fertilizer/pesticide then you must wear the mask if you are near the sprayed yard for at least a few days after application.

This may sound like over kill but on a warm spring day the small, micron sized particles from the plants become airborne and will hang in the air for a long time. Also, don’t forget to brush off your clothing before entering the house. Much of the pollen and grass spores will cling to your clothing and you will take them into the house unless you brush off your shirt and pants.

If you do have allergies or asthma you also have the option of using some form of air filtration system in your home. Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. For information on the complete line of HEPA and other types of filtration systems offered  by PAS please go to their website at: www.pureairsystems.com

Of all the environmental processes that can create allergic reactions in humans, nature’s own products:  pollen and ragweed, are among the most prolific. While most people avoid close proximity to known, man-made allergy producing substances and effluents, it is impossible ( unless you never go outside) to avoid contact with these two allergens.

With the exception of living 11,000 feet above sea level, there are flowering plants, grasses, trees, and crops everywhere you go. Pollen and ragweed and other airborne particles are most prominent during the Spring and Summer months but can be an issue all year long in some parts of the US.

Once the flowers, grasses, trees and crops start to grow you can, during some times of the day, actually see the pollen floating in the air or deposited on the surface of a car parked outside. These particles ( 20 microns in size or larger) are more prominent since they can be seen with the naked eye. However, these airborne allergens can also be in the 5 to 10 micron range which would make them invisible to the naked eye.

These airborne particles are easily carried by light winds and on especially dry days they can travel for miles. In addition, these pollen and ragweed particles have a rough surface and will cling to or stick to almost any type of clothing and also your hair and skin.

If you are one of those people that suffer from allergic reactions to pollen and ragweed then you need to make sure you practice the following preventative measures.

First. If you are wearing a jacket or sweater or any type of outdoor protective clothing remove them outside before entering your home or residence. You may want to brush them off (keep you mouth closed and try not to breathe when doing this) and or shake gently. This will remove most of the particles from the clothing.

Second. DO NOT BRING THE CLOTHES INSIDE! Find a place outside in your garage or outside entry way wear you can store these clothes. Brushing or shaking the clothes will not remove all the pollen or ragweed. This can only be accomplished by washing or dry cleaning the items.

Third. If you do bring the clothes inside don’t hang them or place them next to other jackets or clothing. The pollen will easily transfer to the clean clothes.  Anytime you move, shake or hang these clothes some of the particles will fall off and either fall to the floor or become airborne again.

Fourth. Get a good air filtration system for your home or bedroom and make sure your furnace air filters are replaced often.

Pure Air Systems offers a complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems for both whole-house filtration or single room applications. These filters are designed to remove all the airborne particles that may cause respiratory issues or allergies. In addition, PAS has a complete line of furnace filters that are specifically designed to capture the smaller particles without challenging the performance of your HVAC system.

For more information our product line please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com