Irene stirs up mold, pollen and other allergens

Hurricanes, earthquakes and… uncomfortable levels of congestion? It’s true. While many residents seem to have dodged the worst effects of Tropical Storm nee Hurricane Irene over the weekend, one snuffle-stricken group is finding their trials are far from over.

In the wake of powerful, churning winds and driving rains that left flooding and standing water behind them, people who suffer from seasonal allergies are having one of the worst weeks in recent memory.

According to Cliff Bassett, MD and Medical Director of the Allergy and Asthma Care center of New York, “Stormy weather, including tropical storms and hurricanes, can worsen allergies and asthma because increased gusty winds can seriously spread wet mold spores into the air.”

Bassett went on to say the problem was exacerbated by power losses that may have rendered allergen reduction measures ineffective. “If a homeowner loses power, air conditioning, which filters and dehumidifies warm, humid air, can allow outdoor allergens (particularly mold spores) to enter the home and trigger allergy associated symptoms.  In many areas we are already seeing high levels of various pollens including Ragweed, weeds and mold spores.”

Another allergy-related problem facing sufferers should be rearing its head in coming weeks. With uncommon levels of moisture in the air and in area homes, increases in mold and mildew may be confidently predicted.  The malodorous growths will be found thriving not only in basements, but also in wall cracks and weakened roofing structures and will thus attack sufferers from unusual directions. 

Here are several ways Dr. Bassett suggests people battle allergies in the wake of the storm:

• If you are an allergy sufferer, remember, opening windows to “air out your home” may be tempting, but it will also allow additional allergens into your living quarters.
• If you suffer from pet allergies, anticipate a worsening of your symptoms as you will be spending more time locked inside with pets.