How Poplar Fluff Is Harmful and How to Deal with It

Poplar fluff penetrates through open windows, gets stuck in the most hard-to-reach places, clings to curtains and carpets, and rolls into clumps around the apartment. But that's not the worst part: fluff usually falls to the ground and then gets lifted into the air by wind currents. In this case, it carries dust and microbes into apartments, which eventually enter our respiratory tracts.

Who Is Most at Risk from Fluff

Poplar fluff is most dangerous for people with bronchial asthma. It not only acts as a physical irritant but also triggers new flare-ups of the disease.

People with chronic nasal congestion find it especially hard to tolerate fluff. Since they have a constant inflammatory focus and swelling of the mucosa, fluff causes additional irritation, increases blood flow to tissues, and worsens their condition.

Fluff is also harmful for people with nasal polyps. It not only irritates the mucosa but also promotes growth of polypoid tissue. As a result, polyps may significantly increase in size and cause breathing problems.

If the mucosa is healthy, it cleans itself naturally through sneezing. But if there are defects, the condition deteriorates faster.

Protecting Your Car

The finest particles of gravel, sand, and other debris ejected from the wheels of vehicles ahead can clog the radiator grille. Poplar fluff absorbs all this waste material, forming a felt-like filter. When it reaches certain dimensions, the car engine begins to overheat. Therefore, during summer, it is better to visit an auto service more frequently and replace air filters.

...and Electrical Appliances!

During the period when poplar trees shed fluff, moths settle on the trees. They also end up in apartments along with the fluff. Moths do not damage clothing or food, but they can infiltrate lighting fixtures, televisions, computers, and air conditioners (just like the fluff itself). As a result, appliances break down faster.

Fluff in the Yard Is Dangerous

A cigarette butt left unextinguished on the ground can instantly ignite a fluff carpet. If there is dry grass underneath, it may cause a fire. This danger also exists on balconies if neighbors above smoke. Therefore, it is essential not to accumulate fluff on the balcony.

How to Protect Yourself? Mosquito Nets

Modern double-glazed windows come with mosquito nets, which not only keep out mosquitoes but also prevent fluff from entering. An alternative is simple gauze: attach it to the window frame using buttons or double-sided tape. Ensure there are no holes in the net: even a small gap can allow large amounts of fluff to accumulate within a day.

Wet Cleaning

After installing mosquito nets, you can start wet cleaning. Spray water into the room using a mist sprayer: the fluff will settle on the floor. Water containers placed in corners can help attract fluff toward them. Then mop the floor, cabinets, bookshelves, and ventilation grates. Collect the fluff in a bag and dispose of it at a landfill; otherwise, it will scatter throughout the apartment again.

If your home is surrounded by poplar trees, clean rooms with a damp mop twice daily. Most vacuum cleaners are ineffective against fluff: they don’t collect the light clumps but rather blow them around the corners.

Additional Tips:

• Rinse Your Nose several times a day with sea water spray. This not only helps clear nasal passages from fluff but also moisturizes mucous membranes and reduces swelling.
• Close Car Windows when driving through poplar alleys.
• Use Vasoconstrictive Drops: for nasal congestion, you can use them no more than twice a day and not for longer than a week.
• Avoid Foods That May Worsen Allergies: honey, seafood, chocolate, citrus fruits, cheeses with mold. It’s better to avoid alcohol, especially herbal drinks — tinctures, vermouths, liqueurs.
• Consult a Doctor. There are many medications available for allergies today. However, each one is tailored to address specific symptoms.