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The Discovery FilesFuture Pollen Forecasts!
By the end of this century, Spring pollen emissions could begin 40 days earlier, making the allergy season even longer and more intense. People who have allergies could see the season last an additional 19 days, before high pollen counts subside. Scientists developed a model that examines 15 of the most common pollen types and predicts how their production will be impacted by projected changes in temperatures and precipitation. Learn more on NSF's "The Discovery Files."
Credit: National Science Foundation
Future Pollen Forecasts!
This is The Discovery Files, from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Ahhh! Allergies! Sneezes, watery eyes, rashes, difficulty breathing.
Scientists report that pollen concentrations in the air are increasing because of climate change. By the end of this century, Spring pollen emissions could begin 40 days earlier, making the allergy season even longer and more intense.
They also advise the annual amount of pollen emitted could increase up to 200% each year and that people who have allergies could see the season last an additional 19 days, before high pollen counts subside.
With NSF support, researchers at the University of Michigan developed a model that examines 15 of the most common pollen types and predicts how their production will be impacted by projected changes in temperatures and precipitation.
Hotter temperatures can increase the amount of pollen produced by grasses, weeds and trees and can get it going even earlier.
In the U.S., 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from allergies. The research team hopes their model can one day be used to effectively forecast pollen and allergy seasons.
Your nose says, "please stay tuned!"
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