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Monday, March 15, 2010
Air Quality Index

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Environmental Affairs

Pollen

Woman SneezingMany people suffer from pollen allergies. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes. Trees, grasses and weeds produce pollen as part of the natural process that leads to new seed production. Plants that disperse their pollen by wind typically have small, inconspicuous flowers, shaped to maximize the release of pollen into the air. It is this airborne pollen that causes allergy sufferers discomfort as it comes in contact with noses, throats, and eyes.

Every weekday during our local pollen season, the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department measures the concentration of pollen grains in the air, at our downtown Winston-Salem office. We then issue a daily pollen report and forecast to help allergy sufferers better plan their daily activities. You can sign up to receive our pollen reports and forecasts by email.

In Forsyth County, tree pollen is most significant during late winter and spring. Grass pollen is most prevalent in early summer, and to a lesser extent in early fall. Weed pollen tends to dominate in late summer and early fall. Ragweed is common in our area and is a significant cause of allergy discomfort for many people.

The pollen from colorful showy flowers like tulips and roses is typically too heavy and sticky to be carried well by the wind. Much of this pollen is spread from flower to flower by bees and other insects. Pollen from these types of flowers do not cause most pollen-related suffering.

For additional information about our pollen monitoring program, please read our Pollen Brochure.

Pollen History

Current Weather Conditions

Contact Information

Environmental Affairs
537 North Spruce Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2440
(336) 703-2456 FAX


Office Hours
8:00 - 5:00
Monday - Friday

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