Proliferating Pollen (Georgia)
About 10 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from ragweed allergies in late summer and fall. Mid-August marked the unofficial start to ragweed season, which generally lasts until a killing frost. Ragweed grows throughout the U.S. and has many qualities that make it a “most wanted” allergy culprit:
- A single ragweed plant – which only lives for one season – can produce one billion grains of pollen!
- Ragweed pollen can travel up to 400 miles from where it originated and up to two miles into the atmosphere. The light-weight pollen travels easily with wind.
- Ragweed plants grow easily in areas where soil has been disturbed – especially in vacant lots and fields, along roadsides, and along stream banks.
Viewer Tip: Ragweed pollen levels are medium to high across Georgia right now. Allergy sufferers can reduce exposure to ragweed pollen by keeping their homes closed up and using air conditioning, which filters the air. Keep car windows closed when driving, and change your clothing after spending time outside. In urban areas, pollen levels usually peak between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and will be worse on dry, windy days – avoid outdoor exercise and yard work during these times to reduce exposure.
Season: Fall
(Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. “Elements of Allergy and Asthma: Ragweed Tumbles In.” http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0808/august_ragweed.pdf; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Ragweed.” http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=267)