That persistent sneeze or sniffle may not require a trip to the doctor or drug store for prescription medication … these may the signs of allergies. And, you may be reaching for a Kleenex more so these days because of global warming.
One Australian research team has recently uncovered an important link between increased global temperatures along with changing rainfall patterns and increases of air-based allergens. Leading the study was Dr. Paul Beggs, from the Department of Environment in the Faculty of Science at Macquarie University, who explained that this was in direct opposition to what society previously believed. “Previously, climate change was not considered as a possible cause of the global increase in asthma and there was a limited appreciation of how it could affect allergenic diseases.”
In yet another study, completed by researchers from Duke University (located in Washington, D.C.), it was found that our planet’s rising temperature mercury levels increase carbon dioxide emitted by loblolly pines. These beautiful trees then release more pollen into our atmosphere, causing you and I plugged sinuses and heartache.
Consider also how the number of allergy sufferers throughout the United States spiked dramatically throughout the previous three years. Over 50% of the population now endures with allergies, caused by floating pollen. While pollen looks innocent enough, it can easily cause individuals great grief. With global warming on the rise it is natural to expect allergy cases will, similarly, rise.
When the pollen starts to fly this next year, you can feel much better by shutting your home’s windows to prevent pollen from blowing inside. You can also hop in the shower just prior to bedtime to remove any stray pollen from your own body.
When you work to find an answer for global warming, you are also working to reduce your own allergies … no more sneezing and sniffling, now how is that for incentive?
