New York City pollen count and allergy info | IQAir (2024)

What is the pollen count in New York City?

Levels of the pollen count fall into five numerical categories ranging from zero to four, where level zero carries minimal risk to allergy sufferers and level number four is high and will affect most people who suffer from allergies and should take precautions accordingly. Each category of the different pollens has its own level displayed on the IQAir website.

The Pollen Count is a quantity of the average number of pollen grains per cubic metre. It is typically recorded during the daytime, so pollen count forecasts will echo daytime figures. The amount of pollen can vary from day to day and can also vary throughout each day. It can be very dependent on weather conditions.

What are the main types of pollen to affect New York City?

The types of pollen that affect New York fall into three main categories which are tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen, although each of these can be sub-divided. Due to the certain types of vegetation found within New York City, the top allergens are from grasses, dock and plantain. The size of the pollen grains of dock ranges from 15-35 microns and are pollinated by the wind so can easily spread over long distances.

Does the pollen count in New York City change with the seasons?

The pollen season in New York City lasts mainly from April to August when most types of trees and grasses are in bloom. However, there are some tree species that bloom earlier, such as ash and birch especially if there has been a mild winter. Pollen from elm trees occurs later in the year around late summer to early winter. And as if that wasn't enough, there are also some species that bloom in late summer and into autumn, depending on the weather and temperature. This extends the season - especially for those who are allergic to several types of pollen. New York is a green city with many different types of trees planted in the parks. Tree pollen is most prevalent during Springtime when the trees are starting to come into bud and blossom, while grass pollen is most prevalent during the summer months of June, July and August.

What can be done by allergy sufferers when the pollen count is high in New York City?

Start with allergy tablets (antihistamines) and preventive nasal spray preferably a week before the expected spread. Eye drops can be used once the symptoms occur. The wearing of sunglasses can help with the glare from the sun. Plan your day, go out early in the morning, when it rains or soon after. Then there is less pollen in the air. Pollen sticks to the fur of dogs, cats and other pets. Make sure they are brushed or rinsed after they have been outside. It also sticks to human hair, so rinsing your hair can eliminate excess pollen.

Clothes should not be dried outside, if possible, because pollen sticks to the fibres as they are exposed to the elements. Days need to be planned to be out early in the morning when it rains or soon after. There is less pollen in the air at that time of day.

Allergies are one of our major public diseases, and the increasingly mild weather means that nature wakes up earlier in the year, which leads to a longer allergy season. Around fifty million Americans suffer from some form of symptoms related to pollen allergy (or allergic rhinitis). Of these, more than one in four have such serious problems that the quality of life and the ability to work or study are affected. Asthma and allergies are diseases that most often appear early in life and remain lifelong ailments. There is, therefore, a lot of research in the area, and today there is an over-the-counter and prescription treatment and also vaccination in injection or tablet form.

Why are some people affected by a high pollen count in New York City yet others remain unaffected?

We do not know all the reasons that go towards people being affected by pollen allergies. There is, however, a certain heredity, but also environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, air pollution and hygiene can be important. Allergy means that the immune system overreacts because it perceives an otherwise harmless substance, such as pollen, as harmful and reacts accordingly. In the event of an allergic reaction, the cells of the immune system will release chemical substances (including histamines) that cause the allergic reactions, e.g., increased secretion of fluid and mucus in the nose and eyes, contraction of the airways so that it becomes harder to breathe (asthma) and skin changes such as redness, swelling and itching (eczema).

How is the body affected by a high pollen count in New York City?

Pollen allergies affect between 10 and 20 per cent of the population. This percentage has doubled over the last decade. Nevertheless, some pollens can also have beneficial effects on health. When inhaled, pollen irritates the respiratory system and can cause rhino-conjunctivitis (hay fever), cough, respiratory discomfort, itching, even asthma, hives and eczema. The pollen grains remain in the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, bronchus, pharynx, larynx and trachea) and it is the particles of the pollen grain that cause allergic reactions in humans.

Pollen allergy is a more developed problem in the city. Even if the city, compared to the countryside, has less vegetation, the organism of people living in the city is more sensitive and therefore more reactive to allergies, in particular because of air pollution. Stress can also be an aggravating factor for pollen allergy symptoms.

Is the high pollen count in New York City getting better or worse?

The multiplication of cases of pollen allergies is due to several factors related to climate change and air pollution. Rising temperatures cause earlier flowering and pollination and longer pollen seasons for species that pollinate in late winter and early spring (cypress, ash, birch). More exposed to pollens, the population develops more allergies. Also involved, birch and ragweed pollen grains, in larger quantities, are more allergenic. Moreover, as several studies have shown, the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, necessary for photosynthesis, significantly increases the production of pollen.

New York City pollen count and allergy info | IQAir (2024)

FAQs

What allergens are in NYC right now? ›

  • Ragweed Pollen. Moderate.
  • Mold. Low.
  • Grass Pollen. Moderate.
  • Dust & Dander. High.

Why are my allergies worse in New York City? ›

Due to the certain types of vegetation found within New York City, the top allergens are from grasses, dock and plantain. The size of the pollen grains of dock ranges from 15-35 microns and are pollinated by the wind so can easily spread over long distances.

What is the most common pollen to be allergic to? ›

Tree pollen is the first pollen to appear each year in the United States. It is responsible for most spring pollen allergy symptoms. It also often overlaps with grass pollen in the spring and summer.

Why are my allergies so bad but the pollen count is low? ›

As a result, a high overall pollen count doesn't always indicate a strong concentration of the specific pollen to which you're allergic. The opposite can be true, too: The pollen count might be low, but you might find yourself around one of the pollens that triggers your allergies.

What is making my allergies so bad right now? ›

Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses. Seasonal variations. Allergy seasons ebb and flow throughout the year.

What are the top 8 allergies to be aware of today? ›

While many different foods can cause allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) identifies eight foods as major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Why are allergies so bad right now in 2024? ›

That's because as the climate has warmed, there are fewer days with hard freezes. That gives pollen producers, grasses and weeds a longer period of time to thrive (and make your eyes water). The 2024 season has kicked off especially early, experts say.

What city has the highest allergy rate? ›

The researchers looked at daily pollen counts, availability of allergy specialists and over-the-counter medication use for population's in 100 of the nation's largest cities. Wichita, Kansas ranked number one on the list of worst places to live with seasonal allergies.

What is allergy season in NYC? ›

What Months Are NYC Allergy Season? In New York City, you'll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower.

What time of day is pollen count the highest? ›

When Is The Pollen Count High? Pollen counts usually rise in the morning, and reach their peak by midday or early afternoon. This is the time of day that allergies are often the worst, since there is a high concentration of pollen in the air.

What month is pollen the strongest? ›

The months that are typically worse for allergies vary depending on the location and specific allergens involved. In general, spring and fall tend to be the peak seasons for allergies in many regions of the United States. During spring, especially from March through May, tree pollen is a common trigger for allergies.

What is the best allergy medicine for pollen? ›

Nasal steroids are often the first treatment doctors recommend. Some steroid sprays require a doctor's prescription, but three of them, budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR), do not.

Does rain make pollen allergies better or worse? ›

Rain may also help ease tree pollen allergies but may worsen grass, weed, dust, and mold allergies. Rain can wash away tree pollen, making the particles heavier and less likely to spread. However, rain hitting grass and weed pollen can break up the particles, spreading them further and increasing exposure.

What time of day is worst for pollen allergies? ›

Key Takeaways
  • Using new technology, researchers have identified the worst hours of the day for pollen sufferers to be outdoors.
  • Pollen levels are lowest between 4 a.m. and noon, and higher between 2 and 9 p.m. as temperatures rise.
Nov 10, 2022

Do pollen allergies get worse with age? ›

Older adults tend to have more chronic conditions and experience a decline in the functioning of several organs, both of which can heighten an allergic response. Aging can potentially worsen any allergy, including hypersensitivities to food, medications, insect bites, and pollen.

Is this allergies or a cold? ›

Some symptoms of colds and allergic reactions are the same, such as a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. But there are differences. For example, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough. Viral infections, on the other hand, often do cause this symptom.

Why are my allergies so bad right now in 2024? ›

And the cause of this longer, more intense allergy season? Climate change. “There's higher amounts of pollen due to rising greenhouse gasses and more CO2 in the air, which plants thrive off of,” Parikh tells CNBC Make It.

Does new Covid feel like allergies? ›

COVID-19 symptoms: Similarities. Both seasonal allergies and COVID-19 affect the respiratory system. That's why many symptoms of COVID-19 can feel a lot like seasonal allergy symptoms.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5974

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.