Many people associate allergies with spring, but allergies can be a problem for people any month of the year and the summer season is no exception. Summer allergies can be caused by seasonal outdoor culprits or due to the presence of indoor allergens. Two of the most common causes of summer allergies are due to the presence of pollen and mold.
Depending on where you live, you may be exposed to a variety of different pollens. Generally speaking, trees usually pollinate during spring, but grasses and weeds can still cause pollen allergies throughout the summer months.
High levels of airborne mold spores are a common occurrence during the summer months. Outdoors, warm and moist conditions can be conducive for elevated mold spore counts which can be an issue for people working or enjoying the outdoors. These same spores can also make their way indoors through open windows and doors and even on people’s clothes and hair.
People who are allergic to mold should also inspect their home for the possible presence of mold growing indoors. Mold can grow quickly on many materials found in our homes, schools and offices when temperatures are warm and moisture is present. Any part of a building that has suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels could be the source of indoor mold growth. Even mold growing in a crawl space, basement, attic or in a wall cavity can cause indoor air quality problems.
Dust mites are another common indoor allergen during the summer months. These tiny creatures thrive during this time of year due to the warm and humid conditions.
Even certain fruits and vegetables people enjoy during the summer months can cause an allergic reaction. Oral allergy syndrome, also referred to as pollen-food syndrome, occurs when proteins from these foods cross-react with pollen.
The presence of ground level ozone in many areas during the hot summer months can also exacerbate allergy symptoms as even relatively low levels of this pollutant can cause health effects in sensitive individuals.
These are just a few things to know about summer allergies and indoor environmental quality. To learn more about this or other environmental, indoor air quality, occupational, health or safety issues, please contact us.
