3 ways to battle fall allergens
After a long, hot summer, the return of crisp autumn weather feels like a gift. We can sleep with the windows open, don sweaters on apple-picking adventures, and peep a rainbow of colorful leaves. But, for many of us, fall also means serious sniffles, scratchy throats, and watery eyes. No, the cooler weather isn’t giving us all colds, it’s flaring up a unique set of allergic reactions. Here’s what you need to know about autumn allergens and how to manage the onslaught:
1. You Can’t Avoid the Ragweed
Some 23 million Americans are allergic to ragweed pollen, and unfortunately there’s no safe zone. There are 17 varieties of the flowering plant across the country, and winds can carry the ultra-light allergen up to 400 miles from its origin. To make matters worse, researchers at the USDA note that warmer temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide (read: plant fuel) can lead to much larger ragweed plants that produce more pollen that’s even-more potent. And the pollen can linger from the time plants begin flowering in August until the first frost.
Battle Plan: Keep windows closed as much as possible — especially in the morning when pollen counts are highest. Containment is also key; when you come inside, take off your shoes and coat to avoid spreading pollen throughout the house. Finally, clean regularly using a HEPA-equipped vacuum and air purifier.
2. Fall Foliage Has A Dark Side
As beautiful as fall colors may be — and as tempting as diving into a pile of leaves truly is — the breakdown of foliage comes with its own set of allergens. Molds and fungus thrive in damp conditions, so heaps of rotting leaves provide them with a perfect petri dish. Mold releases spores, which, when inhaled, can aggravate the nose, eyes, and throat. At the same time, raking leaves can stir up settled pollen, sparking even more allergic reactions. Because it hangs out as waste composts, mold can linger later into the fall than ragweed.
Battle Plan: If you can’t avoid fall outdoor cleanup altogether, protect yourself while you do it. If you’re sensitive to mold spores, wear a mask when raking. Keep waste contained in bags and/or pile it up far from the house. (Sorry, no jumping in.) If you can, shower immediately after yard work to rid your skin and hair of pesky allergens.
3. Dust Mites Love Cool Weather
For the estimated 20 million Americans allergic to dust mites, microscopic bugs that feed on organic debris like skin flakes, chilly autumn climates can bring an uptick in irritants. These tiny spider relatives thrive in damp conditions and when temperatures are in the high 60s to mid 70s. If temps spike or drop or if humidity dips below 70 percent, the mites may not survive.
Battle Plan: Indoor climate control is among the best defenses against dust mites; running a dehumidifier can rob the pests of their preferred damp conditions. Mite-blocking pillow and mattress covers can keep the bugs out of their preferred habitats, as well. And regular cleaning — of the surfaces and the air — can help zap what survives.
Do you want to fight fall allergens this season? See how Airmega can help keep your home free of irritants while you’re enjoying the crisp fall air.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
