Fall Allergies Are Here: What to Know About Pollen, Mold & Air Quality
Fall in Massachusetts means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and more time enjoying the outdoors. But for many people, it also means the return of sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and other seasonal allergy symptoms.
While spring often gets most of the attention when it comes to allergies, late summer and fall can be a difficult time for people with seasonal allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Knowing what triggers fall allergies and paying attention to the air around you can help you breathe a little easier this season.
What's in the air in the fall?
Ragweed Pollen
One of the biggest fall allergy triggers is ragweed pollen. It typically begins releasing pollen in late summer and can continue until the first hard frost. Because its pollen is lightweight, it can travel through the air over long distances.
*You can check local pollen information from our sensors anytime using the Air Watch app or visiting our website!
Mold
Mold can also contribute to fall allergy symptoms. Mold thrives in damp leaves, soil, compost, and other decaying vegetation. Raking leaves and other fall yard work can stir mold spores into the air.
Don't confuse ragweed with goldenrod!
Goldenrod’s bright yellow flowers are often blamed for fall allergies because they bloom around the same time. However, goldenrod pollen is heavier and is generally carried by insects rather than blowing through the air. Ragweed, with its much less noticeable green flowers, is a more common culprit for seasonal allergy symptoms.
Allergies, Asthma, and Air Quality
For people with asthma, seasonal allergies can be more than an inconvenience. Exposure to allergens such as pollen and mold can trigger inflammation in the airways and may contribute to asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Air pollution can add another challenge. When pollen or mold levels are high at the same time as poor air quality, people with asthma and other respiratory conditions may experience more symptoms.
Stay Informed
Check pollen and local air quality on Air Watch or our website before spending extended time outside.
Close Windows
Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out.
Change After Being Outside
Be sure to wash your hands, change clothes or shower to remove pollen from your skin, hair, or clothes.
Allergy/Asthma Medicine
Take your allergy and/or asthma medicine as prescribed by your health care provider.
Clean Consistently
Dust, vacuum, and wash surfaces often to keep pollen as well as dust, mold, and pet dander at bay.
Filter the Air
Use high efficiency filters in your HVAC system or an air purifier. We have instructions on how to make a DIY air cleaner at home.
Know Your Air Before Heading Outside
The Healthy Air Network’s Air Watch app makes it easy to check conditions before you head outside. In addition to neighborhood-level air quality information, you can view local pollen information, along with weather conditions, to get a better picture of what’s happening in the air around you.
Before heading out for a fall walk, sporting event, yard work, or other outdoor activity, check Air Watch to help you plan your day and reduce your exposure when conditions aren’t ideal.
Resources
- CDC – Pollen and Your Health
- CDC – Controlling Asthma
- Allergy & Asthma Network – Pollen Allergy
- Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Ragweed Pollen Allergy
- Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Causes for Fall Allergy Symptoms
- Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Asthma Peak Season
- Yale Climate Connections – Allergy symptoms got you down? Blame pollen AND air pollution
Last modified: September 14, 2026
