Climate Change Increases Incidence of Hay Fever

Pollen causes allergic reactions in an increasing number of humans. Researchers in Tokyo have found global warming could be aggravating the problem.

In Japan meteorologists predict the number or people suffering from hay fever will rise significantly until 2050. It is believed global warming will play a significant part if increasing the intensity and incidence of hay fever.

In Japan, pollen from cypresses and cedars are causing increased levels of allergic reactions. The trees grow on plantations totalling seven million hectares. Severe symptoms of hay fever have compelled many people to don breathing and eye protection. Science magazine “Nature” reports that every fourth inhabitant of Tokyo is suffering from hay fever and according to prognoses by health authorities the number of affected people will rise.

“Global warming is going to aggravate what is already a serious health problem in Japan”, said Kouji Murayama from Japan Meteorological Business Support Center in Tokyo... Sunny summer weather means a lot of pollen next spring.

In Tokyo, the average temperature per year has risen by three degrees Celsius since 1890, said the meteorologist. The Japanese Meteorological Society predicts a further warming by up to 3.5 degree Celsius for the 21.st century. Murayama concludes that the number of persons suffering from allergies will increase by 40 per cent until the year 2050. This, scientists say will be due to aggravated pollen flight.

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