Allergies: eastern WA vs. western WA

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
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<p>This isn't actually a question specific to U-Dub, but another member suggested I post here because you all will know best.</p>

<p>I am right now considering University of Puget Sound and Whitman College (I will probably end up at one or the other, slight possibility of Lewis and Clark College).</p>

<p>I love both schools equally. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I would be happy at either and I'm having a really hard time deciding which I prefer.</p>

<p>But today I thought of something as I had to down some Benadryl for my horrible Colorado allergies:</p>

<p>Do allergies tend to be worse in western WA (Tacoma/Seattle) or in eastern WA (Walla Walla/Tri-Cities)? I have a theory that the humidity would keep airborne irritants down in the SeaTac area. Is that at all realistic?</p>

<p>I've been to Tacoma in both summer and fall/winter and to Walla Walla in only the fall. I had no problems at either, but I'm really worried about Spring in the two locations-- does anyone know which is worse for allergies (airborne/pollen/dust)?</p>

<p>I'd appreciate any insight.</p>

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<p>i live in eastern wa, i haven't spent a whole lot of time on the west but i'd guess allergies are a lot worse over here in the east</p>

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<p>My feeling is that it depends what you are allergic to. East would have more dust, fruit tree pollen, grain pollen, etc.</p>

<p>West would have conifer pollen, landscape tree pollen, mold spores. What are you allergic to in Colorado?</p>

<p>You might try calling the health centers of both campuses to see what they can tell you.</p>

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<p>I think you can find puget sound pollen counts on one of the local tv channels weather site. Western WA does seem to have alot more variety of stuff in the air. The Scotch broom that still lines the hwys in many areas are killer. </p>

<p>Eastern Wa during the times I've been there seems to be pretty much free of alot plants that produce heavy pollen counts. I mean eastern wa is wheatfields, apple orchards and wine grapes.</p>