Climate change and health.
Climate change is a scary thing for many reasons. For one, it causes wildfire season to be stronger. Beyond that, there are other health concerns we should be aware of. We all know that with spring comes allergies. Allergy season could potentially be even longer now, and that is largely due to climate change. As a person with asthma myself, I was interested to see how this could be affecting my health, and others.
This knowledge actually dates back to at least 2010. In 2010, the AAFA and National Wildlife Federation reported on how climate change can affect those with asthma and allergies. Pollen, mold, and poison ivy are all impacted by climate change.
A recent study emphasizes that human-caused climate change has worsened the allergy season. Global warming affects our health because the higher temperatures worsen the air quality and lengthen allergy season. Currently, allergy season is at least 20 days longer than it was in 1990. Climate change also causes greater CO2 levels, which in turn intensifies the allergy season.
Additionally, air pollution causes pollen grains to explode and more easily get stuck in your respiratory tract. CO2 can also cause flowers to bloom more, creating more pollen. While there have been higher amounts of pollen, there has also been a higher potency. This means less pollen is needed to cause a reaction. The most consistent and biggest pollen increases have been in Texas and the midwestern states, researchers found.
The pollen increases can greatly affect those with preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma. It can also cause those who've never had allergies to have them and to even become more likely to contract viral infections through the respiratory tract.
What Should We Do?
See your doctor. They will have the best medical advice and know-how to treat you personally. They will also know the best ways to avoid allergens and asthma triggers. Something you can do is check the air quality index. It's beneficial to know what to expect and prepare if necessary. Luckily, this is as easy as checking the weather app on your phone. Gotta love modern technology!
Check the pollen count as well. On days when the pollen count is high, close your windows and avoid the outdoors from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. If you do go outside, wash your clothes when you return and leave your shoes outside. Pollen can also get trapped in your hair, so showering at night is beneficial. Be sure to also take care of your home by vacuuming often. Air filters are another great way to keep the air inside your home clean. We have three where I live!
Climate change has been studied as a large factor in longer and stronger allergy seasons. It is important to be more aware of these things, as they can cause long-term effects, especially for those who already experience allergies and asthma. Even if you do not have preexisting respiratory conditions, you can experience the effects of allergy season.
This knowledge can better prepare us all to take on the allergy season! Knowledge is power, and with that, we can make it a priority to check in on our health and the health of those around us.
