Global Warming and Allergies
9/2/2008
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If your ragweed allergies are making life miserable, go ahead and blame Global Warming.
New research indicates that the increase in global temperatures, along with a rise in carbon dioxide levels, are resulting in longer ragweed seasons and higher pollen counts. The entire September issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology examines the effects of climate change on allergies. The change in climate has been linked to longer pollen seasons.
Researchers have found that increased carbon dioxide levels have boosted pollen production by up to ninety-percent in some types of ragweed. Since ragweed pollen can travel up to four-hundred miles in prevailing winds, there is virtually no outdoor location free of the pollen.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has a few suggestions:
Keep windows closed at home and in your car.
Use the air conditioner because it helps filter the air.
Stay indoors when pollen counts peak: usually between ten in the morning and four in the afternoon.
Check the daily pollen counts in your local paper.
After spending time outside, change your clothes.
Take a shower before you go to bed to get the pollen off your face and out of your hair. Otherwise it ends up on your pillow.