"Grass pollen" refers to tiny particles produced by grass plants that are released into the air. These particles can cause allergies in some people and may lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Full definition
Results of a new study by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst strongly suggest that there will be notable increases
in grass pollen production and allergen exposure up to 202 percent in the next 100 years, leading to a significant, worldwide impact on human health due to predicted rises in carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) due to climate change.
AMHERST, Mass. — Results of a new study by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst strongly suggest that there will be notable increases in
grass pollen production and allergen exposure up to 202 percent in the next 100 years, leading to a significant, worldwide impact on human health due to predicted rises in carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) due to climate change.
For example, in the Middle Atlantic states, tree pollen is the culprit from February through May, followed
by grass pollens from May through June, and weed pollens from August through October.
Rogers notes that, «This is the first evidence that pollen production is significantly stimulated by elevated carbon dioxide in a grass species and has worldwide implications due to the ubiquitous presence of grasses in all biomes and high prevalence of
grass pollen allergy.
A new study led by researchers from Aarhus University shows that it is considerably more complicated to
avoid grass pollen.
It may be that
grass pollens become more allergenic when combined with air pollutants so that the benefits of greenspace diminish as pollution increases.
In this study in Timothy grass, researchers led by environmental health scientist Christine Rogers of the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) determined the interactive effects of CO2 and ozone at projected higher levels on pollen production and concentrations of a
Timothy grass pollen protein that is a major human allergen.
Tree pollen is abundant in early to mid-spring,
while grass pollen is more prevalent into summer.
It has identified a gene which, when inherited from the maternal line, seems to sensitise immune cells in the nose and lungs to common allergens such
as grass pollen.
Lack of allergy to
timothy grass pollen is not a passive phenomenon but associated with allergen - specific modulation of immune reactivity.
Pollution not only increases the pollen load, but it makes pollen more allergenic,
causing grass pollen, for example, to express more of its allergy - inducing proteins.
Trees begin to release pollen around March (depending on where you live), and just when youre recovering from the tree pollen,
grass pollen peaks in May and June.
Weed Pollen — Late summer and fall Tree Pollen — March and
April Grass Pollen — May, June, July
Dogs may be affected by
inhaling grass pollen in spring and summer or ragweed pollen in late summer and early autumn.
Concentrations
of grass pollen are influenced by many factors, the most important being the weather and the emissions, which again depends on the grass species.
More children who were breast - fed compared with those who were not breast - fed were sensitized at all ages to selected environmental allergens (cats, house dust mites, and
grass pollen) and reported current asthma symptoms.
Based on a three - year study with intensive measurements at three different locations in Aarhus, they divide
the grass pollen season into three periods, as shown in the graph below: a twin peak profile during the early season, a single evening profile in the middle season and a single midday profile during the late season.
Traditionally, people allergic to
grass pollen are advised to be aware of high pollen concentrations during the day, and to reduce their outdoor activities during this period.
«Scientists map the worst times of day for people allergic to
grass pollen.»
It is caused by an allergy to pollen — including tree pollen (released during spring),
grass pollen (released during the end of spring and beginning of summer) or weed pollen (especially released late autumn).
Stimulation of
grass pollen production by elevated CO2 will increase airborne concentrations and increase exposure and suffering in grass pollen - allergic individuals.»
Allergies vary from person to person, so even if you're not bothered by spring's tree pollen, summer's
grass pollen or fall's ragweed pollen may affect you.
The ITN will prioritize studies on one perennial allergen (cat dander), one season allergen (
grass pollen), and one food allergen (peanut).
Here's what happens: If you're allergic to birch tree, ragweed, or
grass pollen, your body reacts to certain proteins in that pollen.
If you live in the Northern United States, it's likely that your tree, flower, and
grass pollens are just beginning -LSB-...]
Contact with grass can result in itching and hives in some people who are allergic to
grass pollen.
Grass pollen is highest at these times, although grass may cause allergies through much of the year if someone is mowing the lawn or lying in the grass.
Common allergens are house dust mites,
grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, and fungal spores.
That is, although we sometimes call this a grass allergy due to pets commonly being allergic to
grass pollen, it is actually a problem of the pet breathing in these allergens, and then having itchy skin secondary to the ensuing allergy.
The main inhalant allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.),
grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites.
Contact dermatitis occurs when exposure occurs between the dog's skin and irritants like Carpet Fresh or perfumed shampoo or allergens like wool and
grass pollen.
These include tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, and so on),
grass pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens (ragweed, and so on), molds (including leaf molds), mildew, and the house dust mite.
Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as to ragweed, cedar, and
grass pollens.
Asthma attacks may be triggered by allergens and irritants, including tree and
grass pollens, mold, mildew, smoke, aerosol sprays and dusty cat litter.
Just as Stoney may be allergic to
grass pollen or dust mites, so Stoney's owner may be allergic to something about his pet.
Of particular interest, if your dog has an allergy to
grass pollen you may see that show up as licking his paws rather than itchy, watery eyes.
Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and
grass pollens.
Although allergies may be caused by flea bites,
grass pollens and ragweed, other causes may include food hypersensitivity.
These include tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.),
grass pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens (ragweed, etc.), molds, mildew, and the house dust mite.