If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, know the impact high pollen levels can have. Fortunately, when using your smartphone, tablet or computer, you can monitor the pollen count in your area and be better prepared.
People with seasonal allergies are most affected at specific times of the year. Spring is a particularly difficult time, since this is when the plants are activated again, releasing a large amount of plant matter into the air. Pollen is one of the biggest culprits and there are several alternatives for monitoring the levels of pollen and other air pollutants..
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What is a "pollen count" and how is it calculated??
“Pollen level” and “Pollen count” are the terms we regularly use to describe the amount of pollen in the air. You may be wondering how this is measured and how accurate it is, so let's take a quick look at that.
One way to measure the amount of pollen in the air is with a device called “rotor sampler”. It is a device equipped with sticks covered with a sticky substance. The rods rotate and collect pollen over a period of time and are subsequently inspected for pollen.
After, pollen count is converted to units, What “grains per cubic meter of air”, and subsequently given a simple rating of “alto”, “half” O “low”. Since these are hyperlocal devices, levels may not always be accurate for your location.
How to check the pollen count
Weather services commonly track pollen levels along with the weather. Many of the popular weather apps available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices include some sort of “Prognosis of allergies”.
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As an example, the Weather Channel app, which is enabled for iPhone, iPad, and Android, has a card on the main screen for “Health and activities”. You can quickly view the current allergy risk classification in your area and see a forecast for the next few 15 days.
For something more focused on allergies and pollen, we suggest an app called “Klarify”. is enabled to iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Shows current levels and has a forecast. Specify the types of pollen, along with the grass and weeds. You can even create an account and keep track of how you feel.
If you don't want to install an app just to check pollen levels, there are several websites that also track it. You can even add shortcuts to the home screen of your smartphone. the Weather Channel Allergy Page includes forecast of 15 days and different types of pollen.
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Another great web portal is Pollen.com. You will immediately be greeted with a map of the United States. Just select your area to zoom in and see details on pollen levels. After stopping in your area, you can see a rating for today, tomorrow and the next five days.
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