If the fine yellow dust covering people’s cars, driveways and homes doesn’t seem to be going away, it’s because New Hampshire is in the midst of peak pollen season.

According to pollen.com, Wilton, Lyndeborough and Francestown experienced the highest levels of pollen in the Monadnock Region from May 11 to June 11. Pollen counts are measurements of how many pollen grains per cubic meter are in the air in a 24-hour period, and are assessed on a 12-point scale, ranging from low levels in the green zone at 0 to 2.4 grains per cubic meter to high levels in the red zone at 9.7 to 12. In the last month, Wilton, Lyndeborough and Francestown recorded a high of 10.6. White pine tree pollen has been the most-common form of pollen in the Monadnock Region, according to pollen.com.

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Public Information Officer James Martin said the high levels of pollen were unlike anything he had ever seen.

“I can’t remember a time where I looked up and saw the sky was hazy with pollen,” said Martin.

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common allergic reaction to pollen, insects and other outdoor debris. Symptoms include congestion, sneezing and itchiness in the nose and throat, and high levels of pollen can increase the severity of these symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also said pollen counts may increase in the coming years due to climate change.

Kailee Belanger of Wilton said this year’s pollen season was the worst she has ever experienced.

“I ended up at urgent care twice,” stated Belanger. “First time because I was having an asthma attack and my rescue inhaler wasn't working, couldn't swallow or eat. The second time I was told I had asthmatic bronchitis and a double ear infection. I have always had bad allergies, but this year it took me on quite a ride.”

Pollen is inevitable every season, but former allergy and asthma nurse Deb Mortvedt, the assistant town treasurer in Wilton, stated there are strategies people can take to prepare themselves during the blooming season.

“What is really important is your allergy hygiene,” said Mortvedt. “You need to take a shower before you go to bed and wash your pillow case if you’ve been outside during the day. It makes a huge difference.”

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