How Climate Change and Pollution are Amplifying Allergies
Allergy Epidemic: Understanding the Rising Concern
Do your allergies seem to be getting worse every year? You are not alone. Up to 30% of the global population experiences allergic rhinitis, or hay fever; about 300 million people worldwide. Moreover, cases of asthma, including those triggered by allergens, doubled from 1980-1995 and continue to increase. But why are rates rising? Climate change and air pollution might be to blame.
Climate Change, Pollution, and Allergens: What is the Link?
Climate change has been shifting seasonal patterns. As temperatures rise, we are seeing longer and more intense pollen seasons, which worsens allergy symptoms. Since 1995, ragweed pollen seasons have increased by 13-27 days in the northern United States, with a clear connection to rising temperatures. This has major health implications. For example, recent studies have found that a very early onset of the Spring season was linked with a 17% increase in asthma hospitalizations.
Rising temperatures, exacerbated by the heat island effect—a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures due to human activities like pavement, buildings, and vehicles — make large cities particularly susceptible to increasing seasonal allergy symptoms.
Air pollution in cities may also contribute to increased allergic symptoms. Outdoor air pollution can change how allergens affect us by making them more potent, causing them to release more allergens into the air, and making them more likely to enter our airways. This leads to damage in the cells lining our airways, causing a stronger allergic reaction.
Allergy and Asthma Surge: Vulnerable Populations
Not all are impacted equally by surging allergens. Children are particularly susceptible to seasonal allergies, especially as it relates to asthma. Nearly 1 in 5 children have seasonal allergies. Children are especially vulnerable in big cities, which can have up to 7 times higher pollen levels due to the rising temperatures and the heat island effect.
Navigating the New Allergy Environment
As the impacts of climate change continue to unfold, it is important to be prepared and remain resilient to our changing environments. Try taking the following actions to stay safe and comfortable while advocating for a healthier city.
1. Navigating High Pollen Days
Stay informed about pollen counts and plan your outdoor time accordingly. Most smartphone weather applications will now list current pollen counts. This can help you limit exposure to pollen during days when the pollen counts are high Also note that rain helps clear some of the pollen that contributes to allergies and asthma. This can help you plan out your outdoor activity time in a way that works best for your personal allergies.
2. Clean Air Indoors
If you are planning to stay indoors, make sure to use air conditioning and air purifiers when possible. If this is not possible at home, your local library may be a good refuge from allergens.
3. Greening Cities: Adapting to Save Lives and Improve Health
Click here to enter text.Advocate for projects that promote green space in your city. Big cities have always grappled with air quality concerns; allergy-inducing pollen is one piece of the puzzle. Greenspaces, such as parks and green roofs, not only combat the heat island effect but also promote biodiversity, which can help reduce pollen and air pollution levels. While research findings on the direct influence of green spaces on allergic symptoms are mixed, they undeniably yield numerous positive health benefits, including pollution reduction and improved mental well-being. When it comes to allergic symptoms, more research is needed to better understand which species are best suited for these greenspaces.
Allergies are increasingly prevalent, largely due to the impacts of climate change and pollution. Vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare and green spaces, are particularly affected by longer pollen seasons and heightened allergic responses. Therefore, it's important to monitor pollen levels, limit outdoor exposure during peak pollen days, and advocate for the development of greener urban spaces. By prioritizing cleaner air, we can stay resilient to our shifting environment.
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