As climate variations amplify pollen seasons nationwide, fresh research from the University of Michigan highlights a relationship between pollen exposure and mortality rates among elderly individuals with respiratory issues.

The research, featured in BMC Public Health, demonstrates that days with elevated pollen levels are not merely annoying for allergy sufferers—they may pose significant health hazards for at-risk groups. Given that pollen seasons are extending and becoming more severe, recognizing these dangers has become ever more critical for public health officials and healthcare practitioners.

The investigation revealed that elevated concentrations of specific pollen types, notably from deciduous trees and ragweed, were associated with a heightened risk of death from respiratory complications. This impact could persist for up to two weeks following exposure.

The results indicate that exposure to certain varieties of pollen can escalate the likelihood of mortality from breathing-related issues, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. This is particularly alarming considering predictions that climate change will intensify pollen seasons in the years ahead.

“As pollen concentrations rise and seasons lengthen, an increasing number of individuals may encounter severe health threats, especially older adults with pre-existing respiratory conditions,” remarked Peter Larson, the principal author of the study and a research investigator in the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health.

To examine the link between pollen and severe health hazards, researchers from U-M’s School of Public Health, Institute for Social Research, and College of Engineering assessed mortality records in Michigan from 2006 to 2017, concentrating on fatalities associated with respiratory issues.

They investigated four varieties of pollen: pollen from deciduous trees that shed their leaves, evergreen tree pollen, grass pollen, and ragweed pollen.

Utilizing advanced computational models, they gauged daily pollen levels throughout Michigan and examined how exposure to high pollen levels influenced mortality rates over various durations, from immediate effects to up to two weeks afterward.

While not every individual displays equal sensitivity to pollen, the outcomes underscore the necessity of monitoring pollen levels and adopting precautions during days of elevated pollen, particularly for older adults with respiratory issues, as stated by the researchers. Furthermore, they emphasize that with the predicted impacts of climate change, preparing for these risks will be increasingly vital for public health.

Additional contributors: 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.