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. Moulds and fungus thrive in damp conditions, so heaps of rotting leaves provide them with a perfect petri dish. Mould 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, mould 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 mould 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
1 Airmega air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander in the air based on KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested 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, 50, 100, 150, Tower AP-1216L, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
2Our HEPA filter complies with IEST-RP-CC007 standards at speed level 1 as tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance). SGS's test report only reflects SGS's evaluation of the sample and does not reflect the evaluation of the batch of goods from which the sample was taken. Tested with Airmega 100, 150, 160, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250 Art, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
3 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to JEM 1467: 2015 condition, the concentration of acetic acid was proven to be reduced up to 99.5% in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on actual environment. Tested with Airmega 150, Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
4 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022, showed result of over 99.5% removal rate of common household gases including Ammonia, Acetaldehyde, Acetic acid, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Benzene, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) within 30 minutes. Results may vary in different environments and not all odors or gas particles may be removed. Tested with Airmega MightyS AP-1512HHS, 250S, 300S, 400S, 350, 450
5 Test conducted using Coway Allergen filter media (5×5 cm) placed in a polyethylene bag. The allergen solution and sample were immersed in 2 mL of phosphate buffer (100 ng/mL) prior to the reaction and heat-sealed to specimen size. The reaction was maintained at 4°C for 24 hours. Nichinichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. conducted the test using ELISA to measure allergen concentration. Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
6 Removal rates of Ammonia (NH₃) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) were tested in a 1 m³ chamber under EL608:2023 conditions for 30 minutes. Gas Detector Tubes were used for measurement, and testing was conducted by KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories). Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
7 Reduction rates of Naphthalene, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide were tested using the Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH in 1㎥ chamber, following JEM-1467:2015 standards. Tests were conducted by Intertek. Actual performance may vary depending on the living environment. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
9 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted with Methyl mercaptan, Isovaleraldehyde, Isovaleric acid in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber with a test time of 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of over 99.5% was achieved. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
10 Tested by the Guangzhou Institute of Microbiology, exposed the filter media to protein solutions for 24 hours under ISO 4333-2022 standard. The results showed strong reduction performance: >99.79% for pollen, >99.60% for dog allergen, >99.90% for cat allergen, and >99.80% for dust mites matter allergen. Actual results may vary depending on room size, airflow, and pollutant levels. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
11 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber for 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of >99.5% was achieved for Formaldehyde and Toluene in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
12 Tested by Intertek. The evaluation was conducted against designated test materials: Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. The test was performed in a sealed 1.0×1.0×1.0 m (1.0 m³) odor chamber at a test room temperature of (23±2)°C (measured between 23.6∼23.9°C) and a test room humidity of (45±5)% R.H. (measured between 40∼48)% Relative Humidity. It met the odor removal rate of ≥99.9% for Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
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