Allergy season is around the corner, and likely to be harsher in some parts of Canada than others.
And as the climate continues to warm, spurring more pollen production, that’s only going to get worse, experts caution.
A study released this week by Aerobiology Research Laboratories suggested that pollen seasons are becoming “more intense overall.”
“You cannot escape allergies if you live in Canada; it’s impossible,” said Daniel Coates, director at Aerobiology Research Laboratories.
The study reported that “annual pollen loads across Canada show a clear overall upward trend despite year-to-year variability.”
As individual seasons fluctuate, the trendline indicates a steady increase in total airborne pollen, suggesting that “pollen seasons are becoming more intense overall.”
Coates said Canada has seen a doubling in pollen in the last 25 years.
“Pollen loves warm temperatures. It loves warm weather. This is how it reproduces itself, to fertilize,” he said.
“So, when you have longer periods of warmer weather, which we are getting statistically now, you’re having more pollen in the air as well.”
Health Canada states that research has shown that “climate change will increase allergens in the air and related allergic diseases as warmer weather and milder winters can result in increased pollen production in plants.”
“More frequent thunderstorms may also put more pollen into the air. Furthermore, higher carbon dioxide levels, due to climate change, can increase plant growth and pollen production.”