In a study published in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, researchers have uncovered that climate change intensifies allergy season by affecting the emission of subpollen particles (SPPs) from common allergen-producing plants, such as ryegrass and ragweed. The research also indicates that intact pollen grains have the potential to enhance cloud formation, impacting climate dynamics.
Pollen serves as a vehicle for plants to reproduce and exchange genetic material, causing seasonal allergies for many individuals. When exposed to moisture, pollen grains can disintegrate into tiny SPPs, which are smaller than a micron. These smaller particles can reach the lower respiratory system, leading to prolonged inflammation compared to larger pollen grains. Both SPPs and intact pollen grains act as ice nucleation sites, initiating the formation of clouds. However, SPPs and pollen create smaller, more numerous clouds that retain precipitation, trapping radiant heat and contributing to climate change. Conversely, higher temperatures caused by climate change can prolong pollen release periods, exacerbating allergy-related issues.
Previous research by Brianna Matthews, Alyssa Alsante, and Sarah Brooks focused on oak trees' SPP emission of SPPs under various humidity levels. In this study, the team aimed to investigate how two other common allergen-producing plants, ragweed and ryegrass, release SPPs under humid conditions and examine their influence on ice cloud formation. The researchers collected samples of ryegrass and ragweed, subjecting them to different humidity levels and bursts of wind in a specialized pollen chamber, simulating real-world conditions.
The team evaluated the quantity of SPPs per pollen grain and assessed their ice nucleation abilities. Surprisingly, the study revealed that previous experiments had underestimated the amount of SPPs emitted by ryegrass and ragweed by a factor of 10 to 100. The researchers attributed this discrepancy to the less realistic methods used in previous studies to disperse the pollen and generate SPPs. While SPPs from ragweed and ryegrass displayed poor ice-nucleating properties, barely exceeding that of plain water, intact pollen grains facilitated cloud growth. These updated findings regarding the emission rates and properties of pollen grains and SPPs could contribute to the development of more accurate climate models. By incorporating this data into climate projections, researchers can better understand the complex interactions between allergen-producing plants, airborne particles, cloud formation, and the overall impact on climate dynamics.
Overall, this study emphasizes the role of climate change in exacerbating allergy symptoms by influencing the emission of SPPs from allergen-producing plants. It highlights the need to consider the effects of airborne particles and allergens on climate modeling to enhance our understanding of the interconnections between allergies, airborne particles, and climate change.
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