Is Your Nose Tickling From Allergies? Here's Why

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:27 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

Achoo! There are abnormally high levels of pollen in the tri-state air right now.

Alastair Vance, Flickr.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - You are not alone if you are experiencing bad allergies in the form of itchy eyes, a runny nose, and congestion Friday.

Local pollen levels are “very high”, according to the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency. The pollen count rocketed up to 1,512 grains per cubic meter of air Thursday. Moderate levels are between 21 and 100. Anything over 1,000 is considered “very high”.

Pollen levels usually peak in April, with levels falling into the 200's this week in the statistical average for the past five years. Scientists say this year’s heaviest pollen may have been delayed by an extended winter.

The biggest producers of pollen locally are trees such as oak, mulberry, sycamore, and hickory.

It is not just pollen in the air, either. Local mold levels are moderate this week at 1,052 spores per cubic meter of air.

The agency recommends area residents keep their windows closed so the allergens do not circulate into homes.

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency posts pollen and mold levels on its website daily. Visit http://www.southwestohioair.org/local_air_quality/pollen_and_mold.