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Pollen not only causing problems for people with allergies

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Pollen is blanketing the region. It’s everywhere, and health officials say it’s not only causing problems for people with allergies. You almost need your snow brush to clear it off your car windows.

It’s caked on everything, and it is causing some people health concerns.

“Oh yeah, I’ve got a lot of problems with it. My wife and I both have lung issues,” said Paul Coulomb.

The car wash in Dedham had a steady stream of cars trying to get some relief.

“It was so thick. It was almost like a smog. As you can see with the car, you can barely keep it clean,” said Coulomb.

At South Shore Health Express in Plymouth, Nurse Practitioner Susan Hoover says pollen is affecting more people than you think.

“Just because it is irritating, you don’t have to have allergies per se to have sensitivity to it because you are going to cough,” said Hoover.

There is so much pollen on the car you can draw on it. But not everyone is smiling. But there are things you can do about it.

“If you are going to be out and you come back in, you should get on whatever clothes you had on and take a clean shower,” said Hoover.

Hoover says masks also help.

“If you are going to be outside and it is dry like it has been, use the masks. I mean we have been using them for other things,” said Hoover.

While this pollen is not exactly putting smiles on people’s faces, medical officials say there is some relief on the way.

“The rain we are going to get this week will probably make it much better,” said Hoover.

“The pollen will dissipate soon enough. It’s supposed to rain? That’s right. Rain it’s supposed to come by Thursday so that will be good,” said Coulomb.

The other good rule of thumb, especially if you do have allergies: keep your windows up in your car and at your house, especially overnight and the early morning hours. Health officials say that’s when the pollen is settling.

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