Are Your Allergies Worse This Season? Climate Change and Pollution Might Be to Blame.
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The Bottom Line
Climate change and pollution are making seasonal allergies worse for Americans, lengthening the freeze-free growing season.
How This Affects You
You may experience worse and longer-lasting seasonal allergies, reacting to more plant species for extended periods due to climate change.
AI Summary
Researchers at the nonprofit Climate Central found that climate change and pollution are making seasonal allergies worse for Americans. In 173 of 198 cities studied, the freeze-free growing season has lengthened by an average of 21 days since 1970. This means more patients are reacting to more plant species for longer periods, leading to sharper symptom peaks even for those with historically mild allergies. Immunologist Rebecca Saff suggests starting allergy medications earlier and using the National Allergy Bureau’s dashboard for allergen levels. Some plant species, like ragweed, are also moving north due to temperature and rainfall changes, exposing new populations to allergens.
What's Being Done
Immunologist Rebecca Saff suggests starting allergy medications earlier and using the National Allergy Bureau’s dashboard for allergen levels.
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