Canberrans are to face another record pollen season in the months ahead according to the Director of the Australian National University’s School of Culture, History and Language, Simon Haberle.
Professor Haberle said extreme levels of pollen from cypress pine trees in the Canberra region earlier this month gave a clear sign that allergy sufferers could expect a congested season.
“A combination of the warming weather, a wet winter with high soil moisture and windy days are all signs that are pointing to another record pollen season,” Professor Haberle said.
“While elevated levels of allergenic tree pollen are not uncommon during late winter, extreme levels are unusual and likely brought on by the wet winter,” he said.
“This is perhaps an indication of another bumper year for airborne pollen in and around the ACT.”
Professor Haberle said another factor contributing to his pollen prediction was the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest forecast that above average rainfall for southern and eastern Australia was likely to continue into spring.
He said Canberra was known as the ‘allergy capital’ with the highest rates of hay fever of any city in Australia, costing the ACT economy at least $170 million a year through impacts on people’s health, happiness and productivity.
Professor Haberle said his team of researchers were developing spatial maps of pollen allergy risks across Canberra using surveys of garden and street plants to “clear the air” for anyone about the allergy risks.
