ST. LOUIS – Mold counts in St. Louis have reached their highest level of the year on Thursday, likely to trigger some seasonal allergies.
Thursday’s mold spore count comes in at 139,869. It’s the highest for St. Louis this year and the highest since the mold count peaked just above 140,000 last year in late-September, according to FOX 2 meteorologist Chris Higgins.
The spike in mold spores is attributed to recent rains as the fall season begins, followed by a warm-up, creating ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold allergens typically are high in the early fall due to decaying leaves, grass and other plant matter. Damp, humid and cool conditions further lead to mold growth and spore release.
Allergy sufferers may notice symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion and a spike in sneezing, along with itchy eyes, nose, and ears.
Experts recommended staying indoors as much as possible during high mold counts, especially for sensitive individuals. Keeping windows closed can help prevent outdoor spores from entering homes.
For those experiencing symptoms such as increased sneezing or asthma, it may be worth consulting with a pharmacist of healthcare provider if the allergens significantly worsen.
For more information on mold counts and resources, click here.
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