While this allergy season seems to be worse than most years, allergens have actually been steadily taking over the world for a long time. What does this mean for people living in the United States? Not great things, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Ragweed, one of the most common allergens found in the United States, produces up to 1 billion pollen grains. Now, what if we told you that number has been steadily increasing for at least the past 20 years? The fact is, it has. From 1996 to 2015, the number of grams of ragweed production per plant has progressively increased.
Why has this been the case? Blame carbon dioxide levels.
Global warming, often ridiculed and many times dismissed, is rearing its ugly head again according to researchers. They studied atmospheric conditions and drought-like conditions as they relate to the amount of CO2 present and found ragweed levels have swelled as CO2 levels rose.
The other issue researchers found is ragweed and other allergens become worse the closer they grow to CO2 sources such as buildings or highways. If your allergies have been equally aggressive in the city and the countryside, this is the reason why. Ragweed produces more pollen in urban environments.
There are many ways to help manage your allergies. A couple of ways are to upgrade your home's air conditioning units, dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Ensure all are properly cleaned and close windows during the day and use the AC.
For more allergy solutions, visit Allergy Be Gone's store for a wide range of allergy control products.
