Pollen and Mold

Pollen and mold are common allergens that can affect your health. In many locations around the country, including St. Louis County, pollen and mold levels in the outdoor air are measured. This information might help you or your allergist better understand an allergen exposure.

Pollen and Mold in Outdoor Air

Pollen grains and mold spores are released into the air as part of the life cycle of a plant or mold. They can be carried by the wind and cause allergy symptoms when breathed. Allergy symptoms can include:

itchy or watery eyes
sneezing
runny nose
nasal congestion
cough

Pollen and mold can also trigger asthma attacks or make existing respiratory conditions worse.

allergy season ahead

In Missouri, trees and grasses release most pollens in the spring, while weed pollens increase during summer months. Mold grows on decaying plants and leaves outdoors year-round, but mold in the outdoor air is especially high in the fall months. Although the amount of pollen and mold in the air generally follows seasonal patterns, it can vary with changing weather patterns or other external factors.

Typically, people’s allergy symptoms are worse when pollen or mold levels are high. However, some people with sensitivity to some types of pollen and mold can have allergy symptoms even when the amounts of pollen and mold in the air are low.

View the dashboard below to explore pollen and mold levels in St. Louis County.

Seasonal Allergy Prevention Tips

stay ahead of allergy season

If you or a family member has allergies or asthma,

Check daily pollen and mold forecasts. When levels are high,

keep windows and doors shut
avoid being outdoors
wear an N-95 mask while doing outdoor chores

Take allergy or asthma medication as recommended by your healthcare provider
Shower and change clothes when you come indoors
Rinse your nose with saline solution
Avoid hanging laundry out to dry
Use “high efficiency particulate air” (HEPA) filters in your air purifier or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
If you have a mold allergy, avoid areas with lots of decaying leaf litter, cutting grass or working with hay or mulch piles
Create a plan with your healthcare provider to prepare for allergy season