A new study has just shown that pollen allergies are linked to high levels of carbon dioxide. A consequence that would be due to climate change.
Our future generations may be exposed to more pollen allergies than we currently are. In a century, these intolerances could even increase by 200%. This is what a new study published in Plos One.
Interactions between CO2 and ozone
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have studied the interactive effects of ozone and carbon dioxide (CO2) in timothy, a species of herbaceous plant. “Carbon dioxide contributes to the reproduction and growth of these plants, while ozone has a negative impact,” say the authors of the study. Timothy grass produces a pollen protein that is allergenic to humans. “As a result, the increase in CO2 production will increase the risk of individuals’ exposure to pollen allergies,” notes the study’s lead author Jennifer Albertine.
A 53% increased risk with CO2
To achieve these results, the scientists subjected herbaceous plants to four different atmospheric environments, in which the amounts of ozone and CO2 were different (more or less or high for each of them) or equivalent. Experiments have shown that high CO2 levels increase pollen production by 53%, while different ozone levels have no effect on pollen supply. Indeed, even if the high level of ozone reduces the growth of the plant, the strong impact of CO2 contributes to increasing the risk of exposure to the allergen. “These results confirm the harmful impact of CO2 on human health, already pointed out by previous studies carried out on other allergenic agents. But in this specific case, the effects are greater and more aggressive, ”the authors conclude.
Allergies linked to climate change
This phenomenon is clearly due to climate change. Indeed, temperatures influence pollination. Following the publication of 5th report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Le Figaro noted that “the rise in temperatures increases pollination in duration and intensity, thus facilitating other pollen allergies in polysensitized patients or promoting allergies in individuals who do not suffer from them. In addition, CO2 and diesel particles facilitate allergen sensitization. Therefore, people who are not genetically predisposed to allergies may also be affected.
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