Can you open windows during pollen season? How to balance ventilation and protection

First, work out what you need

Indoor spaces need ventilation to lower carbon dioxide levels, control humidity and reduce indoor pollutants. The question during pollen season is not "should I ventilate" but "when and how should I ventilate".

A middle-ground approach you can use

• Open windows briefly during times when pollen levels are relatively low, and avoid leaving them wide open for long periods
• Ventilate after rain or when humidity is higher, which is usually better than on a clear, windy day
• Close the bedroom door while ventilating, to reduce pollen spreading into the sleeping area
• Use a purifier with a high-efficiency filter to keep air moving during the times when windows are closed
• Window screens can block some larger particles, but they have limited effect on fine pollen, so do not rely on them completely

Extra steps after you get home

After ventilating, you can do a damp clean to remove pollen that has settled on floors and surfaces. If people with allergies notice their symptoms clearly getting worse during ventilation, they can leave that room for a while or wear a mask. If overall control is still not good enough, you should see a doctor for assessment, and the doctor will decide whether the plan needs to be adjusted.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.