Allergy Exposure Risk Calculator

Estimate your allergy exposure risk based on pollen count, air quality, time outdoors, and sensitivity.

Formulas Used

The Allergy Exposure Risk Index is calculated using a weighted formula combining environmental factors and personal sensitivity.

  1. Normalized Pollen Score:

    \[ P_{\text{norm}} = \min\left(1, \frac{C}{500}\right) \]

    Where \( C \) is pollen count (grains/m³), capped at 500 for normalization.

  2. Normalized AQI Score:

    \[ A_{\text{norm}} = \min\left(1, \frac{A}{200}\right) \]

    Where \( A \) is AQI, capped at 200 for normalization.

  3. Raw Risk Score:

    \[ R_{\text{raw}} = w_1 P_{\text{norm}} + w_2 A_{\text{norm}} + w_3 \left(\frac{T}{8}\right) + w_4 S \]

    Where:

    • \( T \): Time outdoors (hours, normalized to 8 hours)
    • \( S \): Sensitivity factor (0.5 for low, 1.0 for moderate, 1.5 for high)
    • \( w_1 = 30 \): Weight for pollen
    • \( w_2 = 20 \): Weight for AQI
    • \( w_3 = 20 \): Weight for time outdoors
    • \( w_4 = 30 \): Weight for sensitivity

  4. Allergy Exposure Risk Index:

    \[ \text{AERI} = \max\left(0, \min\left(100, \frac{R_{\text{raw}}}{1.25}\right)\right) \]

    Normalizes the raw score to 0–100, with 1.25 as the maximum raw score. Risk levels: Low (0–25), Moderate (25–50), High (50–75), Severe (75–100).

Example Calculations

Example 1: Moderate Conditions, High Sensitivity

Inputs: Pollen Count = 150 grains/m³, AQI = 80, Time Outdoors = 2 h, Sensitivity = High

Calculations:

  • Normalized Pollen: \[ \min\left(1, \frac{150}{500}\right) = 0.3 \]
  • Normalized AQI: \[ \min\left(1, \frac{80}{200}\right) = 0.4 \]
  • Raw Risk Score: \[ 30 \cdot 0.3 + 20 \cdot 0.4 + 20 \cdot \left(\frac{2}{8}\right) + 30 \cdot 1.5 = 9 + 8 + 5 + 45 = 67 \]
  • Allergy Exposure Risk Index: \[ \frac{67}{1.25} \approx 53.6 \]
  • Risk Level: High (50–75)

Result: Allergy Exposure Risk Index: 53.6 (High)

Example 2: High Pollen, Low Sensitivity

Inputs: Pollen Count = 600 grains/m³, AQI = 50, Time Outdoors = 1 h, Sensitivity = Low

Calculations:

  • Normalized Pollen: \[ \min\left(1, \frac{600}{500}\right) = 1 \]
  • Normalized AQI: \[ \min\left(1, \frac{50}{200}\right) = 0.25 \]
  • Raw Risk Score: \[ 30 \cdot 1 + 20 \cdot 0.25 + 20 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{8}\right) + 30 \cdot 0.5 = 30 + 5 + 2.5 + 15 = 52.5 \]
  • Allergy Exposure Risk Index: \[ \frac{52.5}{1.25} = 42 \]
  • Risk Level: Moderate (25–50)

Result: Allergy Exposure Risk Index: 42 (Moderate)

Example 3: Severe Conditions, Moderate Sensitivity

Inputs: Pollen Count = 800 grains/m³, AQI = 150, Time Outdoors = 4 h, Sensitivity = Moderate

Calculations:

  • Normalized Pollen: \[ \min\left(1, \frac{800}{500}\right) = 1 \]
  • Normalized AQI: \[ \min\left(1, \frac{150}{200}\right) = 0.75 \]
  • Raw Risk Score: \[ 30 \cdot 1 + 20 \cdot 0.75 + 20 \cdot \left(\frac{4}{8}\right) + 30 \cdot 1 = 30 + 15 + 10 + 30 = 85 \]
  • Allergy Exposure Risk Index: \[ \frac{85}{1.25} = 68 \]
  • Risk Level: High (50–75)

Result: Allergy Exposure Risk Index: 68 (High)

How to Use the Calculator

Follow these steps to estimate your allergy exposure risk:

  1. Enter Pollen Count: Input pollen count in grains/m³ (0–10000, e.g., 100; check local weather reports).
  2. Enter AQI: Input Air Quality Index (0–500, e.g., 50; check air quality apps).
  3. Enter Time Outdoors: Input hours spent outdoors in the last 24 hours (0–24, e.g., 2).
  4. Select Sensitivity: Choose low, moderate, or high based on your allergy severity.
  5. Calculate: Click “Calculate Allergy Exposure Risk” to see the result.
  6. Interpret Result: The result shows a 0–100 index with a risk level (Low: 0–25, Moderate: 25–50, High: 50–75, Severe: 75–100). If you see “Please fill in all fields,” ensure all inputs are valid.
  7. Share or Embed: Use the share buttons to post results on social media, copy the result, or get an embed code.

Note: This is a simplified model. Actual allergy risk depends on specific allergens, medication use, and indoor air quality.