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Climate Change Extends Pollen Season, Heightens Allergies

5/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pollen, the male gametophyte of plants, wreaks havoc on allergy sufferers in the Southeastern U.S. Climate change has stretched pollen seasons by 20 days since 1990 and boosted concentrations by 21%. Additionally, intense storms keep pollen suspended in the air longer, breaking it into smaller, more dangerous particles that intensify allergic reactions.

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Story summary

Pollen, the male gametophyte of plants, wreaks havoc on allergy sufferers in the Southeastern U.S. Climate change has stretched pollen seasons by 20 days since 1990 and boosted concentrations by 21%. Additionally, intense storms keep pollen suspended in the air longer, breaking it into smaller, more dangerous particles that intensify allergic reactions.