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MAARA members' personal experiences
New section introduced February 2011, see below .......
POLLEN & SPORE REPORT
Pollen and fungal spore levels in the East Midlands
This page is dedicated to reporting the pollen and fungal spore levels in the East Midlands, paying particular mention to those known to be allergenic. This page will be updated regularly in the peak season (June/August) and as and when necessary outside these months.
The information provided is for the interest of, and use by, the general public only.
Recent pollen levels
The recent total pollen counts for the East Midlands have been at moderate to high levels. The main allergenic pollen in the air, which reached high levels over the weekend, was oak. Other pollens in the air which have been at low levels include ash, beech, willow, grass and birch.
Updated:20/05/2013
Recent grass pollen levels in the East Midlands
The 2013 grass pollen season will begin shortly. We have already been observing low levels of grass in the air most days. Daily updates will be made here Monday to Friday as the season progresses.
Date |
|
|
15/05/2013 |
Low |
|
16/05/2013 |
Low |
|
17/05/2013 |
Low |
|
18/05/2013 |
None |
|
19/05/2013 |
Low |
See table towards the bottom of the page for an explanation of the classifications.
Updated:20/05/2013
Recent fungal spore levels
The recent cold dry weather has seen the fungal spore count drop to very low level, however the recent relatively milder weather has seen the fungal spore count rise from very low to low levels.
Updated: 17/05/2013
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Key to Grass Pollen counts
Classification |
Pollen grains per cubic metre of air |
|
Low |
0 – 29 |
|
Moderate |
30 – 49 |
|
High |
50 – 149 |
|
Very High |
150 - 499 |
| Exceedingly High |
> 500 |
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Key to spore levels
Classification |
Fungal spores per cubic metre of air |
|
Very Low |
< 1,000 |
|
Low |
1,000 - 4,999 |
|
Moderate |
5,000 - 19,999 |
|
High |
20,000 - 50,000 |
|
Very High |
> 50,000 |
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Hayfever Tips – Always be prepared
Start medication early
When the pollen count is high stay indoors with the doors and windows closed
Change your clothes and have a shower at the end of the day
Go to sleep with your head on a fresh pillowcase
In the car keep the windows closed and wear sunglasses
Do not walk in the woods if you are allergic to tree pollen
Seasonal peaks for some of the more allergenic pollen
Hazel (February and March)
Alder (February and March)
Birch (April)
Oak (May)
Grass (June and July)
Nettle (June- September)
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MAARA members' personal experiences
Do you have any pollen or fungal spore related stories to share?
Please e-mail any stories or experiences to enquiries@maara.org
Submitted Thursday 24th February 2011
"There is a large Yew tree which hangs over the wall of our garden. At about 1pm today the sun came out and I noticed white pollen clouds coming off the tree in large puffs which looked like steam clouds or white smoke. The tree overhangs part of my conservatory and the glass roof was soon covered in a thin layer of white dust. I was working nearby and noticed my lips began to smart, my eyes became itchy and later I developed a bit of a headache, although I don't usually suffer from asthma or allergy problems."
"The event only lasted a couple of hours, but the same thing happens every year at this time and only seems to last one day. Unfortunately I always have to wash off the pollen dust from the conservatory roof!"
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