Researchers are saying that ragweed season is longer than it used to be, ending later in the year than it did 15 years ago. A team of environmental scientists at the University of Massachusetts collaborated with others in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and other states on the report of the findings, released earlier this month. Their work is published in the February issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
According to a statement released from the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, which led the study, later first frosts in northern regions are causing a higher pollen count. The change could lead to an impact on public health with longer exposure to seasonal allergens.
The study was done by comparing data from 10 pollen counting stations with a minimum of 15 years of counting pollen. The stations were scattered from Texas to Saskatchewan (in Canada). Findings included the presence of ragweed pollen in areas of North America for about one month longer than in 1995. The researchers say additional data confirms that allergy-suffering individuals had already been complaining of suffering allergies later into the fall.
“Studies like this also show us that these ecological shifts don’t stop at crop production. They can also have a significant impact on public health,” stated Edward Knipling of the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
The pollen season now lasts about 13 to 27 days longer, according to researchers.
According to a statement released from the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, which led the study, later first frosts in northern regions are causing a higher pollen count. The change could lead to an impact on public health with longer exposure to seasonal allergens.
The study was done by comparing data from 10 pollen counting stations with a minimum of 15 years of counting pollen. The stations were scattered from Texas to Saskatchewan (in Canada). Findings included the presence of ragweed pollen in areas of North America for about one month longer than in 1995. The researchers say additional data confirms that allergy-suffering individuals had already been complaining of suffering allergies later into the fall.
“Studies like this also show us that these ecological shifts don’t stop at crop production. They can also have a significant impact on public health,” stated Edward Knipling of the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
The pollen season now lasts about 13 to 27 days longer, according to researchers.
