There’s something in the air

In spring, nature awakens from its winter slumber. Everything begins to grow and bloom. The days get longer, the first flowers blossom, and the warming rays of the sun lift our spirits. But not everyone can enjoy this season without worry. For many, spring means one thing above all: the start of allergy season.

Pollen allergies: A growing challenge

Pollen allergies are among the most common chronic illnesses worldwide. In Germany alone, over 10 million adults and approximately 1.5 million children and adolescents suffer from seasonal symptoms. Additionally, there are numerous cases of asthma triggered by pollen. And the numbers keep rising: According to the Robert Koch Institute, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased significantly since the 1970s and remains at a high level. Symptoms range from sneezing and watery eyes to severe breathing problems and asthma attacks.

But allergies don’t just affect individuals. They also have societal impacts: In Germany, allergies cause around one million sick days annually. Every “tenth sick note in Germany is due to an allergy”, and 30,000 young people abandon their education due to allergy-related issues. The economic costs of untreated allergies are estimated at around 100 billion euros across Europe.

Photo: Aniket Bhattacharya

Climate change worsens allergy season

Climate change plays a crucial role in intensifying allergy season. Rising temperatures, air pollution, prolonged dry periods, and urbanization exacerbate allergies and amplify their symptoms. These factors cause pollen to be released earlier, remain in the air longer, and become more aggressive. As experts note, “due to climatic changes, the flowering of allergologically significant plants begins earlier, ends later, and is sometimes more intense”.

• Experts observe that “due to climate change, the periods when the last pollen of the previous season disappears and the first pollen of the new season appears are almost overlapping“.
• The pollen season now starts earlier and ends later, significantly increasing the burden on allergy sufferers, according to the Allergy Information Service (Allergieinformationsdienst).
• “Additionally, the increase in air pollutants such as ozone and fine dust associated with climate change alters the composition of pollen, making it more aggressive.”
• Studies show that plants respond to environmental stress, such as increased CO₂ concentrations, by producing more and potentially more allergenic pollen, as reported by Springer Nature.
• Furthermore, “climate change brings new plants, and thus new pollen and new allergies, to Germany”.

Photo: Climate Central

Cities as allergy hotspots

In cities and urban areas, the effects of allergies are often particularly pronounced. Reasons include high air pollution, sealed surfaces, and so-called “urban stress”, which causes plants to produce more pollen. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can also create new allergens in pollen, which then attach to fine dust particles and spread even further.

Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly affected by these conditions. People living in cities experience the effects more frequently and intensely than those in rural areas. Constant sneezing or feeling exhausted makes it difficult to concentrate at school or work. The health and social consequences are significant.

• Air Pollution and Children’s Health
• Good Air for a Good Life in Old Age

Why?

One key reason for the increased presence of allergens and the rising “allergic potential” lies in plants’ response to environmental stress. As an adaptation, they produce more pollen, for example, due to higher CO₂ levels in the atmosphere, poor air quality with high pollutant concentrations, and urban stress factors such as “drought stress” caused by sealed surfaces and water shortages.

Additionally, higher concentrations of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can promote the formation of new allergens in pollen. These allergens attach to fine dust and diesel exhaust particles, further spreading their impact, as reported by APOTHEKE ADHOC.

Photos: Freestocks, Brittany Colette & Joshua Manjgo von Unsplash

The pollution caused by soot not only affects plants and their allergenic potential but also increases the allergy risk for humans. As early as 2009, the Tagesschau pointed out that people living near major roads are more likely to experience stronger allergic reactions to pollen.

As The Guardian warns, “pollen allergies are becoming an increasing problem for humans, especially in regions where air pollution levels are rising due to traffic and urbanization”. A 2023 study published in PLOS One also confirms that air pollution makes pollen more aggressive and allergenic. Those living in areas with high pollution levels must therefore expect a more intense allergy season.

Solutions for better air quality

ighting allergies is complex, and sufferers often rely on symptom relief through medications such as nasal sprays or antihistamines. “Addressing the root cause requires immunotherapy, such as injections or tablets (desensitization).”

A long-term solution, however, could lie in better urban green planning. Cities could, for example, prioritize plant species that produce less pollen, have shorter flowering periods, or plant female specimens that do not release pollen. This primarily applies to trees – for grasses and herbs, implementation is more complex, especially outside private areas. Additionally, Transforming Cities emphasizes that “even a small percentage of highly allergenic plants in a park’s total population is enough to cause a high potential”. The “Pollen Foundation” (Pollenstiftung) therefore calls for urban planning to “require a more focused allergological perspective than ever before”.

Photo: GCS

Alternatives to traditional urban greenery

An innovative solution lies in mosses. These small plants are natural air filters that can remove fine dust and pollen from the air. At the same time, they increase humidity, which reduces the spread of pollen. These fresh air zones could significantly reduce the burden on allergy sufferers in urban areas and improve overall quality of life.

The moss module, as the centerpiece of modular and multifunctional air filters, provides fresh air to people in highly polluted urban areas, improving health and quality of life. The natural and remarkable abilities of specialized mosses can also help mitigate the effects of climate change. These innovative and nature-based systems are an ideal addition to urban green planning.

When used correctly, our solution can help reduce urban heat islands, capture fine dust particles from the air, and support rainwater management.

Regarding allergy potential, our natural air filters and coolers offer additional benefits:

• Simplified green planning, as mosses themselves do not cause allergies.
• Air purification also includes pollen, reducing the overall burden on allergy sufferers.
• Increased humidity and cooler surrounding air reduce (drought) stress for nearby greenery.
• Higher humidity shortens pollen transport distances.

Other positive effects include:

• Plants create a pleasant and calming (learning) environment, improving overall quality of life.
• Mitigation of climate change effects by reducing urban heat islands.

Photo: GCS