People suffering from allergy are going to face something worst ahead.
A recent research has revealed that the pollen count in America may increase more than double in coming three decades.
The reason behind the rise is climate change, as warmer temperatures has led to longer blooming seasons for allergenic plants like ragweed, said Leonard Bielory, an immunologist and a visiting researcher at Rutgers University, where he is carrying out the project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency to study likely changes in pollen-producing plants in response to global warming.
"Climate changes will increase pollen production considerably in the near future in different parts of the country," said Dr. Bielory, ACAAI board member and fellow.
"Economic growth, global environment sustainability, temperature and human-induced changes, such as increased levels of carbon dioxide, are all responsible for the influx that will continue to be seen."
In the year 2000, pollen counts averaged 8,455, which is estimated to increase up to 21,735 by the year 2040. Researchers predict counts in 20-year increments up to the year 2100, and are considering various climatic factors in their models that includes weather patterns, changes in precipitation and temperature.
With the progressive increase in the pollen counts over the years, the study also found the sneezing season will begin earlier every year.
"In 2000, annual pollen production began on April 14, and peaked on May 1," said Dr. Bielory.
"Pollen levels are predicted to peak earlier on April 8, 2040. If allergy sufferers begin long-term treatment such as immunotherapy (allergy shots) now, they will have relief long before 2040 becomes a reality," he added.
-With inputs from ANI
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