Record high tree pollen levels found in Pta
High levels of Birch, Mulberry, Plane, Oak and Olive tree pollen have been recorded for Pretoria to date.
Hay fever sufferers in Pretoria have been battling with runny noses and watery eyes as tree pollen levels surged to a daily average of 70 grains per cubic metre this spring.
For the first time in more than 20 years, pollen is being monitored in Jacaranda City again.
Professor Jonny Peter, head of the UCT Lung Institute’s allergy unit, explained that the monitoring of pollen in the region has always been sporadic due to a lack of funds, but now residents will be able to access up-to-date pollen counts on the official pollen monitoring website of South Africa here: www.pollencount.co.za.
He said while there were numerous websites and apps that supposedly forecast pollen and fungal spores for the country, these counts were inaccurate and often extrapolated from overseas data that has no bearing on SA.
“Knowing the pollen count will help hay fever sufferers to better manage their symptoms. When the count is high, they need to increase their dosage of allergy medication as per their doctor’s recommendation and avoid going outdoors.
“City planners and developers could even use this insight to replace certain vegetation with less allergenic species, especially when planning new housing or office parks,” he said.
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High levels of birch, mulberry, plane, oak and olive tree pollen have been recorded for Pretoria to date.
There are two annual pollen peaks in Pretoria – the first is in early spring, which is dominated by tree pollen and the second in mid-summer when grass pollen proliferates.
Professor Peter said given the rise in pollen production globally – largely as a result of rising temperatures and CO2 levels – it has become crucial for local scientists to keep a closer eye on pollen as seasons worsen.
“Experts predict that pollen counts will quadruple in the next 20 to 30 years, making life unbearable for those with pollen sensitivities, and people who don’t normally suffer from hay fever may likely start to. Asthma attacks may also increase.
Monitoring pollen on a more regular basis will help scientists to better understand the impact of global warming on pollen seasons in SA and how pollen is evolving in order to develop more effective treatments for local conditions.”
While pollen counts are available to Pretoria residents for now, the institute’s funding will dry up shortly. If you would like to donate towards its pollen monitoring efforts, visit www.pollencount.co.za.
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