Pollen and mold are common allergens that can affect your health. Pollen and mold counts in the outdoor air are monitored in many places across the country. This information can help you or your doctor better understand your exposure to allergens. The Missouri Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Program shares data on pollen and mold in the air in St. Louis County, Missouri.
Pollen and Mold in Outdoor Air
Pollen grains and mold spores are released into the air as part of the life cycle of plants or molds. They can be carried by the wind and cause allergy symptoms when inhaled. These symptoms may include:
- itchy or watery eyes
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- cough
Pollen and mold can also trigger asthma attacks or make existing respiratory problems worse.
In Missouri, trees and grasses release most pollens in the spring, while weed pollen is highest in the summer. Mold grows on decaying plants and leaves outdoors all year, but mold counts in the outdoor air are especially high in the fall. Although pollen and mold amounts in the air usually follow seasonal patterns, they can change with changes in the weather or other factors.
Allergy symptoms usually get worse when pollen or mold levels are high. However, if you are sensitive to certain types of pollen or mold, you may have allergy symptoms even when the pollen or mold amount is low.
Use the dashboard below to explore pollen and mold levels in St. Louis County.
Seasonal Allergy Prevention Tips
If you or a family member has allergies or asthma,
- Check daily pollen and mold forecasts. When levels are high:
- keep windows and doors closed
- avoid being outdoors
- wear an N-95 mask while doing outdoor chores
- Take allergy or asthma medicine as your doctor recommends
- Shower and change clothes when you come indoors
- Rinse your nose with saline solution
- Avoid hanging laundry outside to dry
- Use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters in your air purifier or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
- If you have a mold allergy, avoid areas with a lot of decaying leaves, cutting grass or working with hay or mulch piles
- Make a plan with your doctor to prepare for allergy season
Recent Allergy Levels
Allergy levels can change daily, depending on the amount of pollen or mold in the air. Recent allergy levels by day in St. Louis are shown in the dashboard below.
Pollen and Mold Dashboard
Historical pollen and mold trends in St. Louis County are shown in the dashboard below.