Pollen Count
High9
Pollen Count
Pollen Scale
Current Levels
-
Tree
9
High
-
Grass
0
Absent
-
Weed
0
Absent
-
Mold
N/A
Very High
Pollen in Chattanooga, Tennessee
On a scale of 100 (with 100 being the worst), Chattanooga landed a spring score of 83.91 and a fall score of 86.18. Not a force to be reckoned with, Chattanooga’s allergy sufferers use more medication than the average allergy patient; but, they enjoy a better-than-average allergist-to-patient ratio. Pollen levels fluctuate throughout the year and include varieties of trees, weeds, and grasses including mulberry, hickory, oak, ragweed, and Bermuda grass.
What is a pollen count?
A pollen count or a mold count is based on the measurement of the number of grains of pollen or mold spores in a cubic meter of the air. The higher the count, the greater the chance that people suffering from hay fever will experience symptoms when they are outdoors or exposed to outdoor air. Chattanooga-Hamilton Air Pollution Control Bureau is the trusted resource for pollen and mold counts.
How are pollen counts measured?
Pollen count is measured according to the level of pollen density in one cubic meter of air. For example, a pollen count of 50 gram per cubic meter is regarded as low or normal while a pollen count above 1,000 gram per cubic meter is considered high. A high pollen count can be hazardous to health, especially for those who have allergies to pollen or suffering from respiratory conditions. When a patient develops allergic reactions to airborne allergens such as pollen, he or she is suffering from Allergic Rhinitis or more popularly known as hay fever.
Pollen is measured by using a device called the Rotorod Sampler, which is made up of a few acrylic rods held together by a rod holder. The device is placed in an open area such as a rooftop and is programmed to spin at a certain cycle percentage depending on the sample period required. For example, a 10 percent duty cycle for a 24-hour sample means the rod spins each minute in every 10 minutes over a 24-hour period. The pollen stains on the rods are then examined using a microscope to determine the pollen concentration.
What to Do During High Pollen Counts
When the pollen counts are high or very high, the best thing severe allergy sufferers can do is stay indoors. If your seasonal allergies are mild, you may be able to minimize your exposure to pollen with these tips:
- Keep the windows closed in your home and car
- Wipe off pets that come inside from the backyard
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to keep pollen out of your eyes and hair
- Wash your hands before touching your face
Make an Appointment
Schedule your appointment with our board certified physicians and professional team of allergy specialists today.