When the first vacancies arrive, the discomfort of high temperatures is often accompanied by a less visible but equally disturbing problem. Increasing certain substances in the air transforms as common a gesture as extending outfit into a possible source of allergic reactions to thousands of Portuguese.
Temperatures to rise, pollen to circulate
In various regions of Portugal, such as Alentejo, Ribatejo and the interior of the Algarve, thermometers have exceeded 35 ° C even before the official arrival of summer. This extreme heat, which has become increasingly frequent, enhances the release of large amounts of pollen by plants such as grasses and olive trees.
During the hottest days, especially between April and July, pollen concentrations in the atmosphere reach very high levels, according to data from the Portuguese Aerobiology Network, cited by Executive Digest. It is precisely in these periods that allergic symptoms tend to intensify, both in outdoor spaces and within the housing themselves.
Although many are already used to maintaining closed doors and windows to avoid contact with particles in the air, there are still daily practices that continue to be devalued in their impact on respiratory health.
Laundry washed, but with pollen ‘‘
Extending outdoor clothes during the days with high levels of pollen can significantly aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or asthma. Fabrics such as cotton, linen and towels are especially likely to retain pollen particles during drying.
According to Nigel Bearman, a home cleaning specialist and founder of the British company Daily Poppins, cited by the same source, these fabrics act as true sponges when they are moist, capturing the air pollen grains and keeping them clinging even after the clothes are dry.
When collected, these pieces contact the skin, the face and even the surfaces where people sleep, such as sheets and pillowcases. The result may be a continuation of allergic symptoms, even indoors.
Alerts that repeat each summer
The warning about this phenomenon is not new. Nigel Bearman stresses that the habit of drying out clothes should be avoided on days with high pollen concentration. According to it, this is one of the main mistakes made by those suffering from seasonal allergies.
According to Bearan, “extending clothes, sheets or towels abroad on days with a lot of pollen is the right recipe for burn eyes and clogged nose.” This type of continuous contact with pollen ends up prolonging crises even in rest times. The impact of this daily habit can be felt for several hours or even days, depending on the sensitivity of each person and the intensity of pollen exposure present in the fibers of the clothing.
We recommend:
Simple solutions indoors
The recommendation to avoid this problem is to dry clothes indoors, especially on days when pollen levels are considered high. Ideally, drying should be done near an open window or in well -ventilated spaces.
For those who have space limitations, a folding stinging placed in a ventilated division may be sufficient to avoid direct contact with pollen suspended abroad. This simple measure helps reduce the presence of allergen at home.
These precautions should be reinforced on days when meteorology and aerobiology services issue alerts for very high pollen concentrations, especially in the mornings and late afternoon.
Increasingly common alarm signs
With the intensification of heat vacancies, reports of allergic symptoms by the population have multiplied. Successive sneeves, red eyes, itching and nasal congestion feel are some of the most frequent complaints, the same source refers.
On social networks, many Portuguese share reports of discomfort associated with increasing pollen levels. Some say they have never had allergies and yet has strong symptoms during the hottest months.
These situations reflect the increasing impact of climate change on respiratory health, especially in extreme heat periods, when plants release higher amounts of pollen in the air, according to.
Prevention remains essential
Health authorities and entities such as the Portuguese Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology have warned of the importance of adopting preventive measures in critical periods.
Recommendations include the monitoring of pollen forecasts, the use of sunglasses abroad, the controlled ventilation of the houses and, above all, the drying of clothes inside on higher days. Avoiding the accumulation of pollen in laundry is a simple gesture that can significantly reduce discomfort sense by people with allergies, contributing to a better quality of life at home.
Also read:
