Q: Does anyone keep records of what time of day, or night, has the heaviest pollen-fall? Specifically, what hours experience the heaviest onset of pollen?
-- Charles Smith, Suwanee
A: According to the Weather Channel's network of allergists, pollen counts vary depending on the weather and wind condition. However, peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., spokeswoman Melissa Medori told Q&A on the News in an e-mail. Pollen counts are lower in the morning, when there is dew, or days when there is moisture -- such as rain and fog -- in the air.
Q: Why would the Smithsonian have been affected by a government shutdown?
-- Susan Miles, Marietta
A: The Smithsonian Institution would have had to close because its museums are manned mostly by federal employees, and they would not have been permitted to work during the government shutdown, spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas told The Associated Press last week. She added that essential employees, such as those who guard or work on the collections or who care for animals at the National Zoo, would have been exempted and allowed to work. The Smithsonian, which is the largest museum and research complex in the world, consists of 19 museums and galleries, nine research facilities and the National Zoo. There were 30 million people visits to Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in 2009, according to its website.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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