High levels of fungal spores detected in San Juan and Caguas

Samples of airborne particles were collected Wednesday at allergen stations in San Juan and Caguas, part of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI, English), High levels of fungal spores have been detected in these areas, which may cause health complications for people suffering from respiratory illnesses.

doctor Benjamin Bolaños Rossero explain to a new day Heavy rain associated with this Tropical Storm Philip They released the spores in the mountains of El Yungue and Puerto Rico. As a result, very high concentrations were recorded at both San Juan and Caguas stations.

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“The arrival of humidity from rain causes fungi, mushrooms and other fruiting bodies to release spores, especially in the early morning, which will be the time of greatest humidity and dew at this time is higher.”Bolaños Rossero said.

According to microbiologists, Caguas is the area with the most complex panoramas, Because the mountains in the Turabo Valley capture particulate matter. In contrast, San Juan has no barriers to prevent the spores from passing through, so they continue to spread along Puerto Rico’s northern coast.

Fungal spore season runs from September to November. With the arrival of this particulate matter comes certain risks for patients with asthma and other allergies such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis and skin urticaria.

Doctor remembers The number of asthma sufferers in Puerto Rico is estimated to be approximately 400,000.

In fact, he noted that the Caguas region has the highest utilization of medical services for asthma, which is why it is associated with high levels of particulate matter.

Faced with this situation, Bolaños Rosero emphasized that asthma patients should follow their doctors’ recommendations and continue to use their medications as prescribed.

Likewise, he shared that when these particles enter the home naturally, people can protect themselves by using an air purifier with a Class B filter. “This removes or filters the contaminated air coming in from the outside and lowers the spores inside.”he pointed out.

In turn, he urges you to download the app Total number of applications Used on mobile phones to check the latest samples of allergens in the air.Additionally, he mentioned on his Facebook page Puerto Rico Fungi and Respiratory Health Share useful information on the topic.