Murcian Pollen alert, levels expected to be 2-3 times higher than normal this spring

Olive and cyprus pollen cause high allergy levels in the region of murcia

 

The Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunity (SEAIC) have issued a  health warning to suffers from asthma and pollen allergies that the forecast for the spring months is that the pollen count will be more than double that of last year, making the levels for this spring what they are calling "intense".

The warning applies to the interior and south of Spain, including Murcia, the erratic climatic conditions and heavy rains of  this spring producing abundant plant growth, with anticipated heavy crops on flowering plants as a result.

The forecasters are anticipating pollen levels of 5,100 grains per cubic metre of air, almost double the levels of 2,800 which were registered last spring, and believe the pollen concentration could go even higher, describing Murcia as being a little like a pressure cooker this year, just waiting for someone to take the top off once temperatures start to climb.
They are issuing the warning not with the intention of terrorising the population, but to enable those who do suffer violent hayfever, or adverse reactions to pollen levels to take evasive action and ensure that they have prepared adequate medication for the onset of a sudden increase in the pollen count.
The head of allergology at the Murcia Arrixa hospital says that they are already making preparations in anticipation of heightened pollen levels, with a plan prepared to cope with a sudden influx of patients, and they are anticipating a threefold increase in the number of sufferers on last year.

He explained that here in Murcia we have a number of plants which can cause allergic problems;

October, November and part of December members of the Ragweed family, which is a large family of 180 genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs have a strong presence, a single ragweed plant having the capability to produce a billion grains of pollen per season and grains able to travel more than 400km on the wind.

In December the Cupressaceae ( cypress and cedar trees) come into flower, and remain the main cause of hayfever and allergies   throughout January and February, there being many of these in the region as it is the most common form of hedging here, although many may not realise that the plants are actually in flower as the "flowers" are not instantly recognisable as such.

In March and April grass pollens are the main culprits, cereal crops falling into this category, widely grown on the plains of the Altiplano in the north of the region, followed in May and June by the worst culprits, Olive Trees.
Again, many are unaware that the olive trees are in flower , as the actual blossom is tiny and barely noticeable, but emits powerful concentrations of pollen, causing a great deal of problems for many people

Anyone who is prone to hay fever, asthma or allergies is advised to be prepared, and the following preventative advice is offered:
Keep windows closed at all times during times of concentration to prevent pollen from drifting into your home.
Use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air
Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
 Keep your car windows closed when traveling
Take a shower after spending time outside - pollen can collect on your hair and skin
Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry. Pollens can collect on them
Minimize exposure to other known allergens during peak seasons, since symptoms are the result of a cumulative effect of multiple allergens and non-allergic triggers
Get up-to-date pollen information about your area .

 

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