Pollen is the main contributing cause of seasonal allergies nationwide. It is produced by a variety of grasses, weeds, and trees. Most people affected with seasonal allergies experience mildly irritating symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, stuffy nose, or even skin rashes. However, there are 25 million Americans who suffer from asthma, and they experience much more severe conditions every springtime.
Springtime seasonal allergies negatively affect the population in more ways than just top-level health symptoms. Students with allergies perform worse than their peers in school, and adult’s productivity at work diminishes when they’re impacted with hay fever. Additionally, recent studies show that seasonal allergies are evolving to be more powerful and last for a longer period of time than ever before. Why is this the case? And what can we do to help alleviate this allergen epidemic?
Rising Temperatures
When it comes to pollen producing plants, hotter temperatures cause them to bloom earlier in the year which creates a higher production of pollen throughout the season. Across America and Canada, pollen season is now beginning about 20 days earlier and lasting 19 days longer when compared to 1990. Additionally, studies have found a strong link between global warming and an increasingly severe pollen season. If this trajectory continues, the annual total pollen emission count could increase 15%-40% year-over-year.
Seasonal allergies affect roughly 40% of children and 30% of adults worldwide. With pollen count concentrations up 21% when compared to 1990, it’s very likely that the amount of allergy sufferers will rise across the globe in oncoming years. Seasonal allergies impact the economy in numerous ways as well, such as increased health-care costs and employees taking extra sick days.
The Carbon Crisis
Global warming is directly impacted by rising levels of carbon-dioxide emitting into the air from burning fuels such as gasoline, coal, and other natural gases. Carbon in the air fuels photosynthesis, making plants grow larger and produce more pollen. In fact, researchers at the University of Michigan found that the U.S. will face up to a 200% increase in total pollen emissions this century if the world continues to pump carbon into the atmosphere at this rate.
In controlled studies, it’s clear that carbon-dioxide levels have a much greater impact on seasonal allergies than rising global temperatures. Researchers state that we could face unparalleled pollen catastrophes if carbon concentrations reach more than 2.5 times current levels, although it’s unclear how plants will overall respond if carbon emissions reach these unprecedented levels. One thing is clear, the combination of rising global temperatures and carbon emissions create a scenario where seasonal allergies continue to get worse and worse each spring.
Alleviating Seasonal Allergies
With an estimated 21-million people living with allergies in the UK and more than 50-million people estimated in the US, it’s evident that help is needed for those affected by allergies. Allergy UK has a worldwide reputation for their vision of helping everyone affected by allergies to receive the best possible care and support. Partnering with Purina, Sealy, Kleenex, and many more, Allergy UK has now established O2 Nose Filters alongside these brands by awarding it with the Allergy Friendly Product award, which signifies O2 Nose Filters as one of the leading allergy relief products available.
The Allergy Friendly Product Award highlights products that are “of benefit to people affected by allergy, asthma, or sensitivity, and are unlikely to cause a reaction.” Allergy UK works with healthcare professionals, governments, and professional bodies to reach their scientifically backed conclusions before endorsing any product.
O2 Nose Filters block between 90%-100% of pollen particles from entering the airways. Additionally, O2 Nose Filters are discreet and don’t inhibit conversation, so they are great for everyday use in the workplace, industrial areas, public transportation, and outdoors. Available in Extra-Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large, our lightweight filters will contour the inside of your nose and are great to wear for up to 12 hours.
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