Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Valley mulberry pollen levels reach record high

Hay fever sufferers beware: Mulberry pollen levels in Southern Nevada are higher than ever this year.

Monday, a record was set, according to Mike Naylor, air pollution control director of the Clark County Health District.

The Griffith Elementary School site near the Meadows Mall reached 59,681 grains per cubic meter for mulberry pollen. A reading of 500 grains per cubic meter is considered very high.

"Each year we've set a new peak for mulberry pollen," Naylor said.

The second-highest count Monday occurred at Baskin Park on Oakey Boulevard between Rancho Drive and Valley View Boulevard with a reading of 38,933. That surpasses last year's highest count at Griffith of 37,441 grains per cubic meter, Naylor said.

Tree pollen counts are running in the thousands at all sites except one in Summerlin and one in a desert area, Naylor said. In addition to mulberry trees, pines and ash are producing pollen, he said.

To avoid tree pollens, keep doors and windows closed, run house fans, change filters in heating and cooling systems and shower after coming in from outdoors.

While antihistamines may help relieve symptoms, nasal steroid sprays are best and have few if any known side effects.

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