Dust Levels are Going Down, But Pollen Levels are on the Rise

This year’s allergy season could be a bad one

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: May 4, 2012 at 7:50 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 4, 2012 at 7:54 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - There is good news and bad news when it comes to Anchorage air quality. The city health department said the dust levels are going down, but the pollen levels are about to soar.

And this year’s allergy season could be a bad one.

Anne Schlapia is in charge of producing the city’s pollen counts that are done regularly throughout the spring and summer. Schlapia said willow and cottenwood trees can definitely cause trouble, but birch trees are the major culprit for most allergy sufferers.

In a couple of weeks the birch will be out in full force.

“We get a lot of calls from people who are bothered by birch,” said Schlapia. “It tends to run in two year cycles and unfortunately this should be our summer.”

Less pollen last year means more pollen this year, said Schlapia.

According to Schlapia, regular pollen counts will begin next week and posted online at the city’s website, www.anchorageair.info. She said sufferers should take heart in the fact that the season doesn’t go on forever. It should only last about three weeks.
 

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