Hay fever and allergic asthma attacks occur year round. They are triggered by airborne particles like pollen, animal dander, dust mites, cockroach feces and saliva, mold, as well as ozone, which is present in smog. Allergies affect an estimated 50 million Americans, and have become more common in the past 100 years.

Why Allergies are on the Rise

• Central heating allows dust mites and cockroaches to live through cold winters.             
• Better-insulated homes create warmer and more humid environments for roaches, dust mites, and mold.   
• The development of wall-to-wall carpeting, which traps particulate matter.
• More time spent indoors, which increases exposure to certain allergens. 

Facts to be Aware Of: 

• Pollen counts vary year-round, depending on the type of plant.   
• Dust mites breed heavily during hot, humid weather.           
• Mold increases during hot, humid weather.
• Ozone levels rise during summer afternoons and evenings.           
• Higher levels of air pollution can trigger asthma attacks.           
• Allergy shots are most effective against pollen, and are successful in about 85% of people.