Climate change could be increasing your allergies
Every spring, do you find yourself sniffling a little bit more? Blame climate change.
A new report suggests that air pollutants that result from climate change are increasing nasal allergies. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Germany found that nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone gases may increase the potency of airborne allergens. That, in turn, means more people are suffering from symptoms like sniffling and sneezing during allergy season. The researchers note that roughly 50 million Americans suffer from nasal allergies, and that figure is continually increasing.
The scientists are working to identify additional allergenic proteins that may be affected by climate change so that they can research the effects on the human immune system.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
H.W. Brands' 6 favorite books that reflect on American history
H.W. Brands is the author of "America First"
By The Week US Published
-
'Musk could receive some attention from federal law enforcement'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Trigger warnings on screen spark dissent
Talking Point Are they a measure of sensitivity or just unnecessary posturing?
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Dozens dead in Vietnam after 'worst typhoon' in 30 years
At least 58 people are dead and hundreds are missing after Typhoon Yagi made landfall
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Understanding and saving the biocrust, Earth's living skin
The Explainer The planet's protective layer is being destroyed
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
5 of the most invasive plant species in the world
Under the Radar Invasive plants threaten biodiversity
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Scientists want to zap coastlines with electricity
Under the Radar Beaches are in for a shock
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The Arctic is a ticking 'mercury bomb'
Under the Radar An icy prison break is on the way
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
China's winning battle against desertification
Under The Radar Beijing is using solar power to lead the fight as climate change intensifies the threat
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
11 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Iceberg A23a is taking a spin
Under the Radar As the iceberg turns, so too does its effect on the neighboring ecosystem
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published