Forget Hurricanes, It's Allergy Season
GoLocalProv Health Team
Forget Hurricanes, It's Allergy Season
The flood is not just a bad memory.
An unprecedented number of flood-soaked interiors growing mold are adding to an annual spring allergy season that was already being heralded by experts as monstrous for Americans.
For the nearly 200,000 Rhode Islanders with seasonal allergies, this means a rough spring and summer. "The tree pollen is out early this year, and people are already suffering," says John Zwetchkenbaum, MD, of Asthma & Allergy Physicians of Rhode Island. If you're one of the unlucky, do as much as possible to get rid of your tormentors.
Resist all those warm-weather instincts: keep household and car windows closed prevent to keep pollens at bay.
Stay indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air. Or head to the beach, where pollen counts are usually lower.
Machine-dry bedding and clothing. Pollen may collect in laundry if it is hung outside to dry.
Mold—it's calling from inside the house
Make sure you've taken serious care of your flooded areas, leaving nothing damp or even a bit messy from the ravages of all that water.
Lower the humidity inside your house with dehumidifiers (set to 50% humidity) or air conditioners (set to 70 degrees).
If you've used carpet in your bathrooms or other damp rooms, get rid of it. And while you're eyeing the bathroom, consider stripping any wallpaper and replacing it with mold-proof paint.
Move houseplants out—they're a breeding ground for molds.
Clean damp areas – shower curtains, bathroom windows, any damp walls, indoor garbage cans – with a mix of water and chlorine bleach to kill any mold that's taken up residence.
Are you a sneezy gardener? Get allergy tips here.