A Dangerous Air Quality Alert was issued for the Chicago area Wednesday due to extremely high mold levels spanning the Midwest.
Dr. Joseph Leija, an allergist who performs the Midwest's Gottlieb Allergy Count, recorded the highest mold count, of over 70,000, early Wednesday morning at Northwest University in Chicago, triggering the alert.
It is only the second time in 2016 that mold levels have reach high enough thresholds to be considered dangerous.
The Loyola allergist said the shocking numbers could be the cause of headaches, congestion, runny noses and fatigue for Chicagoans.
Allergy sufferers are recommended to stay indoors, keep the windows closed, use air conditioners and take allergy medicine for associated symptoms. Allergists also say rinsing nasal passages with saline solution and washing hair before bed could be helpful in counteracting allergic reactions.
