Are your allergy symptoms getting worse each year? This article dives into the concerning trend of extended allergy seasons and explores how climate change is making matters worse. Learn about the scientific reasons behind the intensified pollen production and understand strategies for managing your seasonal allergies effectively.
Extended Growing Seasons Intensify Allergy Woes Across the Nation
For many, the arrival of spring brings welcome relief from winterS chill, marked by warmer temperatures, the return of songbirds, and the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. However, this seasonal shift also heralds the onset of allergy season, with many experiencing increased sneezing and other allergic reactions.
Recent scientific findings indicate that allergy seasons are not only arriving earlier but are also lasting longer,exacerbating the discomfort for millions of Americans. This trend is directly linked too climate change and its impact on plant growth cycles.
The Science behind the Sneezes
Climate change is extending the growing season, which in turn prolongs the pollen season. The frost-free period, defined as the time between the last spring frost (32°F) and the frist fall frost (32°F), is expanding. This allows plants to produce blossoms and sprouts for a longer duration, providing more opportunities for honeybees and other pollinators to collect nectar and distribute pollen.
Key Finding
The growing season has expanded by at least 11 days in most areas of the United States, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Lew Ziska, an associate professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, explained the connection in an interview with NPR: As things start earlier in the spring and go longer in the fall because of the warmer weather, that results in a longer pollen season.
Pollen Potency and Production
The extended growing season isn’t the only factor at play. Warmer temperatures are also contributing to increased pollen production and potency.Studies show that the concentration of allergenic proteins on pollen surfaces is rising, making pollen more irritating to allergy sufferers.
The thing that makes pollen allergenic are the proteins on the surface of the pollen. And what we found was that the concentration of that particular pollen protein was increasing in the case of two plant species that we know are very allergenic—one is oak, and the other one is ragweed.
Lew Ziska,Associate professor,Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Moreover,rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are fueling increased pollen production. Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, and when more of it is available, they can allocate more energy to producing pollen.
Key Data
Between 1990 and 2018, the amount of pollen in the atmosphere across North America increased by 21%, according to scientific data.
Impact on Public Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 26% of adults and 19% of children in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies. The lengthening and intensification of pollen seasons are likely to exacerbate these conditions,leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life for those affected.
Strategies for Managing Allergy Symptoms
Given the increasing challenges posed by longer and more intense allergy seasons, experts recommend proactive measures to manage symptoms:
- Begin taking antihistamines one to two weeks earlier than in previous years to preemptively combat pollen exposure.
- Utilize HEPA air filters or air purifiers to remove pollen and other allergens from indoor environments.
- Wash clothes promptly after spending time outdoors to prevent pollen from spreading inside the home.
- Monitor weather forecasts and limit outdoor activities on high-pollen days.
