Spring allergy season in Washington State is arriving earlier and lasting longer, prompting health officials to launch new real-time pollen tracking tools to help residents cope.
According to the Washington Department of Health (DOH), the state’s pollen season now begins nearly three weeks earlier and stretches approximately a month longer than it did three decades ago. These changes, linked to climate factors like warmer temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and rising carbon dioxide levels, are contributing to an increase in allergy sufferers’ symptoms.
“Tree pollen starts earlier, and now we’re transitioning into a grass pollen season,” said Rad Cunningham, senior epidemiologist and climate section manager at the DOH. “A lot of people with grass allergies are really feeling it right now.”
To address the rising allergy concerns—especially with one in four Washingtonians affected—the DOH has introduced a new pollen surveillance system. This real-time monitoring network is already operational, with 10 active sites across Washington State collecting data on pollen levels throughout the day.
The real-time data is integrated into the PollenWise app, which displays daily pollen conditions and identifies specific pollen types that individuals may be sensitive to.
“Our pollen monitors are continually monitoring pollen levels so we can see how much they vary during a day,” Cunningham said. “You can even look at the specific pollens that you’re allergic to.”
This new effort aims to empower people with allergies to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities and medication use. Early May has already seen high levels of tree pollen, and grass pollen is expected to peak mid-May, according to DOH.
By using tools like the PollenWise app and staying updated on daily conditions, Washington residents may be better equipped to manage their seasonal allergies during this extended and intensified pollen season.
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