First, it starts with sneezing. Then your eyes get red and itchy, and your throat feels sore and scratchy. Some people even break out in hives or eczema because of airborne pollen. Yes, that’s right, allergy season is here, and this year it might be worse than ever.
Research shows that climate change is increasing the length of allergy season. Pollen seasons start 20 days earlier and last 10 days longer, releasing 21% more pollen than in 1990, according to the University of Utah. If you have allergies, that means that your suffering is going to last longer and be more intense than ever before!
Airborne pollen and allergens are the primary reason people who suffer from allergies are so miserable this time of year. Here in Utah, drought conditions increase pollen from plants and raise the pollen index. Allergy sufferers need to pay close attention to their local pollen index readings to help reduce their risk of an allergy attack when heading outside.
So, what can you do to keep the pollen out of your business, so everyone is more comfortable? Here are a few cleaning tips we recommend.
- Upgrade your HVAC system with HEPA filters that catch more airborne particles. Regularly switch out your furnace and air filters and clean your system, especially during allergy season.
- Clean with a damp rag. You might notice extra pollen dust, but a regular duster wouldn’t help. Instead, you need to use a wet rag or cloth to pick up the dust instead of just moving it around. Dust a least once a week if you can.
- Vacuum regularly with HEPA filters. Dust and pollen will cling to your carpets. Make sure you vacuum daily or every couple of days and use a vacuum with a high-grade HEPA filter to pick it all up.
Allergy season is hard for many people, and a more extended pollen season could be disastrous. According to the CDC, more than 24 million people in the U.S. experience pollen-induced respiratory allergies or hay fever each year. So it’s more than likely a few of your employees suffer from allergies. Follow these cleaning tips to help make them comfortable. Or, you can also support them by:
- Offer remote working opportunities so they can avoid traveling on days when the pollen is terrible or suffering from an allergy attack.
- Provide personal air filters for their workspace.
- Offer extra sick days, or encourage masking in the office during allergy season to reduce airborne germs.
These are just a few ways you can keep your business cleaner during allergy season and support your employees who may be suffering. If you need help stepping up your cleaning in the workspace this time of year to make the office more comfortable for everyone, give us a call! (801) 994-6924
