The Affect Of Climate Change On Allergies

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Climate Change And Allergies

Oct 15, 2009

Today is Blog Action Day. The topic is climate change.

It’s a big topic.

Climate change will affect us all: but if you have seasonal allergies, it may pack a double-whammy. Research shows that climate change is affecting the length and severity of pollen seasons. Pollination for many species of plants now starts sooner and extends longer because of warmer weather.

It’s not necessarily good news for all kinds of reasons.

Back to humans: higher pollen counts have become the “norm” in many areas of the world. Higher pollen may be partially the result of greater levels of CO2. CO2 or carbon dioxide has been shown to prompt plants to produce more pollen. This means that individuals with allergies will suffer more, as more pollen is driven out into the air and into sensitized nasal passages.

For those with multiple pollen allergies, the warm months can turn into a blur of watery eyes, sneezing and coughing.

While this is a small thing in relation to the potential effects of climate change overall, it is another real consequence of our changing global temperature. As with many human-induced changes that affect the air we breathe, climate change is not bringing benefits to allergic people.

Managing these more intensive allergy symptoms can also mean more greenhouse gases. After all, the primary strategy for the allergic is to to avoid their allergen. For those with seasonal allergies, this will involve increased use of air conditioning while windows remain closed; running air filters in the home (which are additional electrical appliances); and, drying clothes in the dryer instead of outside on the line. All these activities are in direct opposition to the push towards the use of less electricity.

What’s an allergic sufferer to do?

While managing allergies means trying to stay away from the allergen, you can choose environmentally-friendly allergen avoidance. What about buying your electricity from a “green” electrical supplier? Bullfrog Power is one such company; it charges slightly higher rates for electricity and uses that money to build out more green electricity sources. Another option is to invest in either solar or wind microgenerators to produce some or all of your personal electrical needs.

Energy efficient appliances, including the most efficient dryers, will also help you take care of yourself, while still taking care of the world.