As many of you who suffer from allergies already know, allergy season is getting worse. And guess what? Climate change is to blame. That's from the experts.

WWLP/22 News reports that pollen levels have been high recently due to the dry weather we have been receiving. And not only will the pollen levels increase, but the season will get longer as well.

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One allergist and medical expert says that the effects of pollen are a significant burden on health. The pollen season has increased by almost 3 weeks. And pollen counts have steadily increased by over 20%.

That may explain why people who have never suffered before from allergies are starting to experience them now. The increased pollen counts have become more potent. What does all this have to do with climate change?

According to a recent study published in February by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, human-caused climate change is responsible for more than 50% of the long-term trend of pollen season getting longer and pollen counts getting higher.

When winter temperatures are warmer, plants, flowers, and trees start to bloom early. The study found that of the three seasonal pollen irritants -- trees, grasses, and weeds -- trees saw the most increase in pollen. Tree pollen is a major source of springtime allergies.

Also, higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are another contributing factor. When air pollutants attach to pollen grains, the pollen has an easier time getting into your respiratory tract.

Experts say that if you are an allergy sufferer, there are preventative steps you can take to alleviate some symptoms:

  • Changing the filters in your air conditioner
  • Keeping your windows closed
  • Using well-maintained air purifiers that are cleaned regularly

For much more on the story, please check out WWLP's website here.

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