Outdoor Seasonal Allergies

Enjoy more of the great outdoors by learning about common seasonal allergy triggers and finding out how you can help reduce your exposure to them.

Outdoor Seasonal Allergies

Enjoy more of the great outdoors by learning about common seasonal allergy triggers and finding out how you can help reduce your exposure to them.

Because they change with the seasons, outdoor allergies are often called seasonal allergies . An allergy is a sensitivity of your immune system to something that is ordinarily harmless. Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain allergens found outside, from sources like those from mould spores and tree, grass or weed pollens .

While seasonal allergens can be difficult to avoid because it seems like they’re everywhere, there are things you can do to minimize your exposure to them.

Select an allergy to learn more:

POLLEN ALLERGIES

MOULD ALLERGIES

Pollen Allergies

Overview

One of the most common triggers for seasonal allergies are pollen spores. They are small, light and dry, so the wind can carry them. Pollen counts can vary day-to-day, depending on several factors, including the weather. For example, dry, windy weather spreads pollen quickly. However, heavy rains and humid weather conditions weigh down pollen, keeping it on the ground.² In general, plants and trees that pollinate via wind cause the most problems for people with seasonal allergies.

Grass Pollen: There are hundreds of different grass types. However, only some cause allergies . Grasses usually pollinate in the late spring and early summer, but may also pollinate across many seasons and could trigger allergy symptoms throughout the year.³

Tree Pollen: When it comes to trees, watch out for hardwood deciduous species, including birch, oak, elm, maple, ash and alder. These trees generally pollinate from late winter to the end of spring, depending on where you live.

Tips for Pollen Allergy Sufferers

BEAT THE CLOCK
Ragweed Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning and at dusk, so try to plan outside activities for other times of the day.
COVER UP
Wear an inexpensive painter's mask when you're working in the garden or doing other outside chores.
MAKE A CHANGE
Pollen spores can hitch a ride on your shoes, clothing and hair and get tracked inside. After spending time outdoors, be sure to remove your shoes, take a quick shower and change your clothes to remove pollen.
CLEAR THE AIR
When driving, keep windows up and set the air conditioner on "recirculate." At home, keep windows closed and use air conditioning. Be sure to change your filters often.
BRANCH OUT
Looking to plant trees on your property? Avoid hardwood deciduous trees that can aggravate allergies , including birch, oak, elm, maple, ash, alder and hazel. Instead, go with species such as Catalpa, Crepe myrtle, dogwood, fir or redwood trees.
GROW SMART
Some common types of grass produce more pollen spores.³ Try planting the female buffalo grass plant as it does not flower and therefore produces little to no pollen. Avoid planting sunflowers, daisies and chrysanthemums in your yard as they’re all related to ragweed. If you’re not sure what to plant, ask your local garden center before you buy.⁶

Mould Allergies

Overview

A mould allergy can be triggered by microscopic mould spores that float in the air like pollen causing uncomfortable mould allergy symptoms. Many people think of mould as an indoor issue only. But mould also thrives in shady, damp areas outside, including on soil, plants, rotting wood, compost piles or dead leaves.

Since mould thrives in damp spaces, mould allergy symptoms may be more common during the summer months when it’s hot and humid. Although, mould may be prevalent year-round in warmer climates. While pollen spores die with the first frost, mould spores simply go dormant during the winter. And when spring comes, the spores grow back.⁷

DID YOU KNOW?

While some moulds form colonies that you can see with the unaided eye, others can only be viewed under a microscope. So, just because you can’t see the mould , doesn’t mean it’s not there!⁷

Tips for Mould Allergy Sufferers

LEAVE IT OUTSIDE
Your shoes, clothing and hair can all be magnets for mould spores. Remove your shoes before entering your home and be sure to shower and change clothes right away after spending time outside. If you’re pinched for time, at least wash your hands and face well after coming in.⁸
MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE RAKE
Mould spores can collect on fallen leaves. So be sure to rake your yard often. Since raking can stir mould spores into the air, wear a mask while tackling this chore. Or, better yet, enlist the help of another member of the family who isn’t allergic to mould.⁹
MASK MOULD SPORES
Wear a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 type of mask to help reduce your exposure to mould spores when cutting grass, raking leaves or digging around plants. Or, better yet, enlist the help of another family member who isn't allergic to mould.
SKIP THE LINE
Bedding or clothing hung out to dry on a clothes line may pick up mould spores, along with other allergens . Use a clothes dryer instead.⁸