Allergy season has arrived earlier than usual across several European countries, attributed to unusually warm temperatures and heightened pollen levels driven by recent meteorological patterns.
According to medical experts, there has been a notable increase in allergies over the past two decades, with fewer months considered “allergen-free” due to prolonged allergy seasons.
Dr. Madeleine Epstein, an allergy specialist based in Paris, highlighted the early onset of pollen allergies this year, noting a significant increase in pollen levels compared to previous years. This surge in allergens has affected a larger portion of the population, exacerbating symptoms for many individuals.
The warmer temperatures, particularly observed last month, marked the warmest January on record in Europe, contributing to the proliferation of pollen in the air. Climate physics researcher Davide Faranda from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) explained that prevailing winds have facilitated the dispersion of pollen from southern regions, where flowers have already bloomed, to northern areas.
Notably, tree pollen, particularly from hazel and alder trees, has seen a significant uptick, posing a heightened risk of allergies, as reported by the French National Network for Aerobiological Surveillance (RNSA). While rain is expected to alleviate pollen levels temporarily, experts warn of continued challenges posed by prolonged allergy seasons.
Karl-Christian Bergmann, chair of the German Pollen Information Service Foundation, emphasized the earlier onset of tree pollen, notably hazel and birch pollen, over the past two decades. Bergmann highlighted the impact of air pollution on allergens, noting that polluted cities may experience heightened allergy symptoms due to altered allergen proteins.
Studies, such as one conducted in Poland and published in PLOS One, have underscored the correlation between air pollution and increased allergen levels in trees, recommending caution in planting allergenic trees in polluted areas.
Matthias Werchan, also from the German Pollen Information Service Foundation, noted the early start of alder tree pollen in Germany this year, driven by warmer temperatures.
The implications of climate change on allergy seasons have been acknowledged by government reports, warning of extended pollen seasons, shifts in pollen distribution, and increased concentrations in the air. Experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of prolonged allergy seasons on public health.
As temperatures fluctuate, the allergy season may pause temporarily, but experts caution that with rising CO2 emissions and continued climate change, such patterns are expected to persist, posing ongoing challenges for allergy sufferers across Europe.
