Rising Pollen Levels Pose Increased Health Risks for Older Adults
With climate change extending pollen seasons, University of Michigan research links pollen exposure to higher mortality rates in older adults with respiratory issues. Published in BMC Public Health, the study reveals that high pollen days pose significant health risks beyond allergies, especially for vulnerable groups. The urgency for public health officials to comprehend these risks is increasing as pollen seasons intensify.
Research indicates that high pollen levels from deciduous trees and ragweed can elevate death risks related to respiratory conditions. The impact may persist up to two weeks post-exposure. This is particularly alarming given climate change projections suggesting more severe pollen seasons.
“As pollen levels continue to rise and seasons get longer, more people may face serious health risks, especially older adults with existing breathing problems,” said Peter Larson, a study’s lead author and research investigator at U-M’s School of Public Health.
Researchers from U-M’s School of Public Health, Institute for Social Research, and College of Engineering examined Michigan death records from 2006 to 2017, focusing on respiratory-related deaths and analyzing four pollen types: deciduous tree, evergreen tree, grass, and ragweed pollen. Using advanced models, they assessed daily pollen levels and their impact on mortality rates over time, from immediate effects to two weeks later.
Not everyone shows equal sensitivity to pollen, but tracking pollen levels and taking precautions on high pollen days is crucial, especially for older adults with respiratory issues. As climate change is predicted to exacerbate these conditions, preparing for such risks becomes vital for public health.
Additional authors: Allison Steiner, U-M College of Engineering; Marie O’Neill and Carina Gronlund, U-M School of Public Health; Alan Baptist, U-M School of Public Health and Henry Ford Health.
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