It’s August and the summer heat isn’t done with us yet. Outdoor summer plans require checking not only the weather, but also the outdoor air quality. Extreme temperatures combined with environmental pollution can create high levels of ozone and fine particulate matter. A large number of wildfires in the western United States and Canada already are causing smoke to drift all the way to the East Coast. The result is that multiple areas far from the fires themselves have outdoor air unfit to breathe for sensitive groups.
Tree pollen is coasting down, with just Elm and Cedar/Juniper lingering in some areas. Grass pollen also is on the way out across most of the country, with Johnson grass being particularly stubborn. But the real story is weed pollen, which is still riding high from July. While weed pollen will likely peak in August across the northern states, it will still have an annoying presence across the entire country in one form or another.
Here are the typical pollens that can be found across the United States this August:
Northeast
Tree pollen: Typically none in measurable quantity.
Grass pollen:, Bermuda, Johnsongrass
Weeds: Cocklebur, Dogfennel, Lamb’s Quarters, Marsh Elder, Pigweed, Plantain, Ragweed, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush
Southeast
Tree pollen: Cedar, Elm, Juniper
Grass pollen: Bahia, Bermuda, Johnsongrass,
Weeds: Cocklebur, Kochia, Lamb’s Quarters, Pigweed, Plantain, Ragweed, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush
Midwest
Tree pollen: Typically none in measurable quantity.
Grass pollen: Bermuda, Johnsongrass
Weeds: Cocklebur, Kochia, Lamb’s Quarters, Marsh Elder, Nettle, Pigweed, Plantain, Ragweed, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush
South Central
Tree pollen: Elm
Grass pollen: Bermuda, Johnsongrass
Weeds: Cocklebur, Kochia, Lamb’s Quarters, Marsh Elder, Nettle, Pigweed, Plantain, Ragweed, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush
Southwest
Tree pollen: Cedar, Elm, Juniper
Grass pollen: Bahia, Bermuda, Johnsongrass
Weeds: Cocklebur, Kochia, Lamb’s Quarters, Pigweed, Plantain, Ragweed, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush, Scale
Northwest
Tree pollen: Typically none in measurable quantity.
Grass pollen: Johnsongrass,
Weeds: Cocklebur, Kochia, Marsh Elder, Plantain, Ragweed, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush, Scale
End-of-summer outdoor air quality doesn't have to get in the way of summer's last days of fun. There are still plenty of opportunities for getting together and relaxing in the air conditioning while an Intellipure air purifier keeps the air you breathe clean. Intellipure's DFS technology uses electronically enhanced filtration to attract and capture ultrafine particles (99.97% filtration down to 0.3 microns). Simply choose an Intellipure portable air purifier and take control of your home's indoor air quality as summer winds down.
Put Clean Air On Your Back-To-School List
It's back-to-school time! While your back-to-school shopping list probably includes the old familiar pens, pencils and paper this year, you should consider one more thing: an air purifier. Poor indoor air quality on and off campus can negatively affect student health and grades. Mold, stale air and stinky odors are common problems in college dorms. But even at home the air is filled with pollutants and allergens that affect children's respiratory health. Intellipure air purifiers effectively remove mold spores, bacteria, viruses and volatile organic compounds from the air your student breathes. For college students, the Intellipure Compact is ideal for dorm rooms for better sleep and overall good health. For children at home, an Intellipure air purifier can help create a healthier home environment by reducing illness-causing pathogens and improving respiratory health.
What is Ragweed?
For millions of people, Ragweed is the bane of their summer and fall months. This weed is found across almost the entire United States and can cause major allergic reactions. Generally, the word “Ragweed” is used to describe 17 separate species of plants commonly found in North America. Scientifically, Ragweed is in the Ambrosia genus of the aster family. As one would guess, the plant has a ragged-looking leaf which matches the common name. It can grow several feet tall and spreads aggressively. The ability to grow in poor soil conditions gives it an advantage, as does its prolific seed generation. If you are one of the millions who suffer from Ragweed allergies, it is wise to create a pollen-free sanctuary at home with an Intellipure air purifier. While you can’t control the pollen storm raging outside, you can effectively remove pollen from your indoor air with a portable air purifier.
