Pollen and mold counts measure the amount of airborne allergens from trees, grass, weeds and molds that is present in the air. Pollen and mold spores are collected using a Burkhard sampler which operates continuously for a 24 hour period. Airborne pollen and mold is collected on slides and then analyzed by an aero biologist to determine the quantity and type of each pollen or mold present on the slide. The quantity determines the pollen count for the day.

Interpretation of pollen and mold counts and their relationship to allergy symptoms is complex. The symptoms experienced by allergy sufferers vary from patient to patient and at varying level of pollen and mold concentrations.

Weather can also influence allergy symptoms. Allergy sufferers often find relief on rainy, cloudy or windless days because pollen movement is limited during these days. Hot, dry and windy conditions result in higher pollen and mold concentrations, and increased allergy symptoms. Because pollens are microscopic particles they are easily spread over great distances by wind, and can result in the detection of pollen which may not be in seasonal in the local area.

Pollen counts are measured in grains per cubic meter and are assigned a severity level based upon the concentration found on the slide. The scale, developed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's National Allergy Bureau, used to assign the severity level is found below.

Pollen Measurement Scale

The above data were Grains per cubic meter