Intense Strain for Allergy Sufferers Exposed to Grass Pollen - Increased Risks for Pollen Allergy Sufferers
Hey ho there,
Got your sneezes ready? 'Cause if you're one of those unfortunate souls with a grass pollen allergy, you'll be feeling the misery in Berlin and Brandenburg right about now. Matthias Werchan from the German Pollen Information Service (PID) warns us, "We're smack in the middle of the grass pollen season!" With a dramatic change in weather at the end of May, those pesky grasses decided to bloom all at once.
When the pollen count hits 50 grains per cubic meter of air, we're talkin' high loads. But guess what? In our regions, we're often seein' more than a hundred grains swirling around, says Werchan. It's all thanks to the variety of blooming grass species blown about by the windy weather, which hasn't shown any mercy, even to the less plant-rich heart of Berlin. "Now you can feel it everywhere in the city," says the landscape ecologist.
While green spaces in the city are on the rise, thanks to less mowing to save insects, Brandenburg's got vast fields of rye. Sadly, most of them have faded, so they're not contributing much to the grass pollen load anymore.
No need to freak out about the white fluff, though. That cotton candy drifting through the air and sprinkling the ground isn't pollen, but poplar seeds, or poplar fluff, to give 'em their official name. Werchan assures us, "Don't worry, it doesn't cause allergic reactions."
Wonderin' what the forecast hold for the Whitsun weekend? Well, it's gonna be varied and a bit chilly, according to Werchan. That means some relief for us hay fever sufferers. Cold temperatures slow down grass growth, and rain can clear the air of pollen.
So, if you're sufferin' from the sneezy blues, check out the current pollen forecast for Germany and Berlin on the PID's website. And remember, an itchy nose knows no bounds, not even for the Whitsun weekend!
- Berlin
- Brandenburg
- Load
- Potsdam
In light of the high grass pollen load during the season, it's crucial for the community to adhere to policies related to workplace-wellness, ensuring a healthy and well-maintained environment for employees who may suffer from medical conditions such as grass pollen allergies.
Employers should consider implementing an employment policy that accommodates affected workers, possibly offering remote work or flexible hours during peak pollen periods.
A health-and-wellness program in the workplace can provide resources on fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and skin-care tips to help employees cope with the physical discomfort and stress associated with allergies.
Moreover, as part of the company's commitment to employee well-being, nutrition workshops could also be offered, providing advice on a balanced diet to strengthen the immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.
