Recent warming by latitude associated with increased length of ragweed pollen season in central North America
2011
Impact of Ragweed Pollen Season Lengthening
Sample size: 10
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): L. Ziska
Hypothesis
The study investigates the changes in the duration of ragweed pollen seasons at higher latitudes.
Conclusion
Ragweed pollen seasons have increased by up to 27 days since 1995 in certain northern regions.
Supporting Evidence
- Ragweed pollen seasons have increased by up to 27 days since 1995.
- Papillion, Nebraska has a ragweed season 11 days longer than in 1995.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota has a ragweed season 16 days longer than in 1995.
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has a ragweed season 27 days longer than in 1995.
- An estimated 10% or more of the U.S. population is sensitive to ragweed pollen.
- Allergies from ragweed pollen cost the United States approximately $21 billion per year.
Takeaway
Ragweed plants are causing allergies, and they are blooming for longer periods now, which can make people sneeze more.
Methodology
Analysis of ragweed pollen data from multiple sites in the U.S. and Canada.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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