Climate change is causing Minnesotans to suffer from allergies earlier and longer than ever before. A new study by Climate Matters, an environmental nonprofit, analyzed decades of weather data across 200 US cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul. The results show that the state’s allergy season has lengthened by nearly a month, with some areas seeing an increase of up to 27 extra days.
The warmer temperatures are triggering plants to bloom earlier, releasing more pollen into the air for longer periods. This increased pollen production is making seasonal allergies worse, according to experts. “So, plants are happier and growing days are longer throughout the year,” said Andrew Rorie, an allergy expert at the University of Nebraska.
Seasonal allergies affect approximately one in four US adults and nearly one in five children. The microscopic pollen particles can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to extreme reactions such as difficulty breathing. Multiple studies have linked warmer temperatures to longer pollen seasons and increased pollen production. The research suggests that climate change is extending Minnesota’s allergy season, making it essential for residents to take precautions during this time.
Rorie added that “in the vast majority of locations, we’re seeing a prolonged pollen season, to some degree, but also more pollen.” As the planet continues to warm, Minnesotans can expect their allergy seasons to become even longer and more severe.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/three-more-weeks-of-misery-allergy-season-grows-with-warming-weather-in-minnesota/601239522