Pollen Levels Elevated in Anchorage

Observation by Mike Brubaker:

We are seeing the pollen in the rain water catchment and on the hood of our car. We are also noticing the health effects with scratchy eyes and throat. A review of the pollen count shows that tree pollen levels are 'high,' but not 'very high.' What is interesting is that pollen events are being seen across Alaska. In the past week, LEO Network has received posts from Stebbins, St. Marys, Chuathbaluk, Golovin and Nome. What is also important is that the high pollen levels and related allergy symptoms are happening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. So many people are on edge wondering what their symptoms are related to--is it normal allergies or Covid-19? An additional concern is how air outdoors is impacting air indoors and people who are recovering from Covid-19 at home. Anchorage, like most of Alaska, does not commonly have air conditioning that can filter pollen, dust, smoke, or other air contaminants. Windows are open to bring in the fresh air and to provide cooling, so your outdoor air is your indoor air. We try to keep the windows closed when the air is bad and we have three home made air filters running in our home. They seem to make a big improvement.

Ida Norton writes:

My name is Ida Norton, Alaskan Inupiaq from the small village of Selawik in the Northwest Region of Alaska. I have recently (in the past week) recovered from COVID-19. While my battle with this disease was short, it was still uncertain on a day-to-day basis. It was one thing to have to fight the disease, but having to worry about air quality should not be an issue. Especially when there are ways to improve indoor air quality. Many things can trigger an episode of shortness of breath during this sickness. Pollen, mold, indoor smoking, and wildland fire smoke can be an issue during this time when one is fighting Corona. For me, COVID was a direct attack to my lungs, and it affected my throat airway. It is important to have good indoor air quality in the midst of fighting the disease. One thing that helped me during my fight was a portable air cleaner. A simple homemade air cleaner made from a box fan and a square air filter that is available at any hardware store. It is not a cure, nor do I claim it to be. I am simply stating I was very grateful to have access to one during my fight.

Comments from LEO Editors:

Weather significantly influences pollen and mold counts, which affect respiratory health. See the DHHS Epibulletin for more information.