May 25, 2025
The science behind pollen’s impact on human health
Siddhartha JanaPollen - Nature’s reproductive tool
Pollen is the male plant gamete, crucial for reproduction. While essential for plants, it causes widespread human allergies, especially during spring when pollen is abundant in the air.
Source: Canva
Two ways trees spread pollen
Trees rely on either animal pollinators like bees and butterflies—requiring showy flowers and nectar—or on wind pollination, a less precise but more economical method that produces vast amounts of lightweight pollen.
Source: Canva
Why wind-pollinated trees produce so much pollen
Wind is inefficient for pollination, so these trees release vast amounts of tiny pollen grains. This excess pollen often triggers allergies as it easily enters human eyes, throat and lungs.
Source: Canva
Animal pollination vs wind pollination
Animal-pollinated plants produce sticky, heavier pollen that attaches to insects. Wind-pollinated plants produce dry, light pollen that floats freely, making wind-pollinated trees the main allergy culprits.
Source: Canva
Climate change extends pollen seasons
Warmer temperatures and more sunlight cause longer pollen seasons. Studies show pollen seasons in North America have lengthened by 20 days and pollen concentration increased by 21% since 1990.
Source: Canva
Rising CO2 boosts pollen production
Higher carbon dioxide levels stimulate trees to produce even more pollen, worsening allergy symptoms and prolonging pollen exposure for people sensitive to it.
Source: Canva
Storms break pollen into smaller particles
Storms not only spread pollen but can break pollen grains into tiny fragments. These smaller particles penetrate deeper into lungs, worsening allergy symptoms during windy and stormy weather.
Source: Canva
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