Hay fever and Climate Change
A dramatic increase in the number of people suffering from hay fever is the first real visible sign climate change is a reality and that public health is being impacted as a consequence of rising temperatures.
It is estimated that 13 million people in the UK alone is suffering from hay fever caused by pollen.
13th May 2006
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The connection between hay fever and global warming
If plants are stressed by a combination of rising temperatures and pollution, they will produce more protein on the pollen grain, to maximise their chances of reproduction.
It is the protein content that is causing hay fever and allergy in humans. Hence, each gain of pollen is more likely to trigger a hay fever response because it has a more pronounced effect.
Climate change is also extending the pollen season. This has an impact on the volume of pollen plants can release. Birch, pine and grass pollen, which most hay fever suffers are fighting, are therefore more likely to be release into the air.
Denmark recently recorded a pollen grain count per cubic meter of air (pcm) of 4,381 pcm, while the UK recently recorded 1000 pcm, which is a new national record. Any reading above 80 pcm is considered a 'high' level of pollen in the air
