Toronto braces for an 'intense' allergy season, according to Ontario lab forecasts
Toronto's Allergy Sufferers Brace for Increased Pollen Levels
Hey there, allergy peeps! Buckle up, because it's time to brace yourself for some sneezing and itchy eyes.
After a brief respite from seasonal allergies due to cool weather, Toronto residents are soon to face a surge in pollen counts as warmer temperatures return this month. According to Ottawa-based Aerobiology Research Laboratories (ARL), the mild weather in March and April brought early pollen, kick-starting the spring season. After a short pause in May due to cooler conditions, the mercury is expected to rise again, triggering a "significant" increase in highly allergenic pollen.
ARL director Daniel Coates told News Toronto that we're now seeing pollen levels spike, particularly for allergy triggers like birch, ash, and oak. By the weekend, birch and ash pollen levels are projected to be "very high," with oak following suit. Coates warns that if you're an allergy sufferer, May is going to be "really bad," but he stops short of predicting a "pollen apocalypse."
Once tree season begins to drop off by mid to late June, grass and weed seasons take over, with the latter described by Coates as "horrible" in Toronto due to the prevalence of ragweed.
Although ARL has 30 collection sites across Canada, including one in downtown Toronto, Coates acknowledges that determining the exact start and end of pollen seasons has become increasingly challenging due to climate change.
On a flat note, Coates also reveals that the volume of pollen in Canada has doubled over the past 25 years, rising from 500,000 grains in the late '90s to just under one million grains today.
Tips to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies
Coates offers some practical advice for managing your seasonal allergies this spring and summer:
consult an allergist
To effectively combat your allergies, it's essential to identify the specific pollen causing your reactions. As Coates puts it, "You feel like you have a cold 24/7, but you don't know what you're allergic to. Find out what you're allergic to, and then you can better prepare programs that will actually help you to minimize the health effects of the pollen on your health."
check the forecast
Once you've determined which pollen you're sensitive to, it's advisable to stay informed about when it's prevalent. Adjust your schedule accordingly, focusing on indoor activities during peak pollen days.
keep pollen outdoors
Upon returning indoors, take steps to minimize your pollen exposure. Coates suggests keeping pets off your bed and taking off your shoes before entering the house.
(Note: Check the daily pollen forecast on the ARL website for more details.)
[1] https://www.ar commanded.ca/Allergy-Condition/Forecast/Toronto[2] https://www.weather.com/storms/allergy/news/toronto-oak-pollen-oak-allergies
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