AAFA’s 2025 Allergy Capitals™ Report : What It Means for a Healthier Home

AAFA’s 2025 Allergy Capitals™ report highlights the most challenging U.S. cities for people impacted by allergies, emphasizing the impact of climate change and the importance of Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certified products in creating healthier indoor environments

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s (AAFA) 2025 Allergy Capitals™ Report has once again highlighted the most challenging cities in the U.S. for people with seasonal allergies. This year’s findings highlight the growing impact of climate change on pollen levels and the increasing need for effective indoor air quality solutions. For individuals living with allergies and asthma, understanding this data is the first step toward a healthier home environment.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Allergy Capitals™ Report

Each year, AAFA ranks the 100 most populated U.S. cities based on three primary factors:

• Pollen levels (tree, grass, and weed pollen)
• Over-the-counter medication use for allergy relief
• Availability of allergy specialists

For the third consecutive year, Wichita, KS, topped the list as the most challenging place to live with allergies, followed by New Orleans, LA, and Oklahoma City, OK. Many cities in the South and East continue to struggle with high pollen counts, while the West has seen an uptick in grass and weed pollen due to changing weather patterns.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

While we cannot control outdoor pollen, we can take steps to create healthier indoor environments. AAFA’s report emphasizes that reducing allergen exposure inside the home is crucial for managing allergy symptoms. A key part of this strategy is choosing certified products that meet rigorous standards for allergen reduction.

The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program helps consumers identify products that improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens and irritants. Certified products undergo scientific testing to ensure they meet strict criteria for allergen reduction and emissions control.

How to Reduce Allergy Triggers at Home

If you live in one of the cities named in the 2025 Allergy Capitals™ Report —or anywhere with seasonal allergies—consider these steps to create a healthier home:

1. Choose Products Certified to Support Healthier Indoor Air Quality

• Use Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® air purifiers and vacuum cleaners to capture airborne allergens.
• Select Certified bedding and mattresses to reduce exposure to dust mites.
• Look for Certified HVAC filters that trap pollen and other airborne particles.

2. Improve Ventilation and Filtration

• Keep windows closed during high-pollen seasons and use air conditioning with a HEPA filter.
• Regularly change air filters to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
• Use a dehumidifier to control mold growth, especially in humid climates.

3. Establish a Cleaning Routine

• Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture weekly with a Certified vacuum cleaner.
• Wash bedding in hot water regularly with a Certified laundry detergent to remove allergens.
• Remove shoes before entering the home to prevent tracking in pollen and dust.

The Connection Between Climate Change and Allergy Seasons

AAFA’s report also highlights how climate change is exacerbating allergy seasons. Warmer temperatures are causing plants to produce more pollen for longer periods, increasing allergy burdens nationwide. Cities experiencing heat waves and higher humidity levels are seeing worsening air quality, making it even more essential to create a healthier indoor environment.

This underscores the need for proactive measures at home, including using certified products to maintain good air quality. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program provides science-backed solutions to help consumers manage allergens more effectively.

Empowering Consumers to Choose Products that Support Better Indoor Air Quality

AAFA’s 2025 Allergy Capitals™ Report serves as a vital resource for individuals with allergies and asthma. By combining this knowledge with Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certified products and best practices for reducing indoor allergens, consumers can take control of their environments and improve their quality of life.