There’s something coming in the air … and it’s getting harder and harder to breathe. That’s right, folks; outdoor allergy season is upon us. At the risk of sounding like a pharmaceutical commercial, one in four Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. But why? As we explore air for our spring issue, we dig into the environmental explanations behind your itchy eyes. Here are five things you didn’t know about allergies.
1
Allergy season is getting longer
If it’s seemed like you’ve been blowing your nose sooner, and for longer, you’re not losing your mind. In Wisconsin, tree pollen season has grown by about 30 percent since the early 2000s. This is because of an elongated growing season: final spring freezes coming earlier and first fall freezes coming later. Data from the Wisconsin State Climatology Office shows increases in the growing season across Wisconsin since 1970, with the biggest change — 34 days — in Madison.
2
We’re not just getting more pollen-filled days; we’re getting more pollen
“Both increased carbon dioxide and warmer days and nights can stimulate plants to create and release more pollen,” says Kate Beardmore, climate and health program manager at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and codirector of the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI)’ human health working group.
3
And you’ll never see it coming
The allergens that cause the most trouble are those from wind-pollinated plants, not insect-pollinated plants. “If a plant is wild-pollinated, it doesn’t need to invest energy into making showy flowers,” explains Eve Emschwiller, professor of botany and Nelson Institute affiliate. “Lawn grasses have wind-pollinated flowers, but they are green and not brightly colored to attract pollinators … Many people won’t even notice.”
4
Goldenrod would like to be excluded from the narrative
Turns out, we all owe goldenrod an apology. “Goldenrod gets blamed for pollen allergies that are really due to ragweed,” says Emschwiller. Think back to the last fact. Brightly colored, showy flowers that attract pollinators? Goldenrod. Green, inconspicuous flowers that are carried by the wind? Ragweed — and the source of your suffering.
5
The call is coming from inside the house
You’re not completely safe inside! Even with windows and doors shut, wind-blown pollen can easily make its way into your house. Change your clothes as soon as you come in from outside, Beardmore recommends. And it mightn’t be the most sustainable swap, but if you’re a serious sufferer, consider using a dryer instead of a clothesline to keep allergies away.
Related: How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
What should we unearth next? Reach out to our editorial team at communications@nelson.wisc.edu.
