An Overview of Rising CO₂and Climatic Change on Aeroallergens and Allergic Diseases

Abstract

There are a number of implications of climate change in regard to human health. Among these, the role of rising carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and temperature in aeroallergen exposure and associated changes in the start, duration and intensity of the pollen season, and associated consequences in aeroallergens and allergic disease are a primary concern. This review is intended to provide a synopsis of CO 2 and climate factors associated with likely changes in aeroallergen biology (indoor and outdoor), including changes in the demography of flowering plants, pollen seasonality, aeroallergen production, and potential biotic and abiotic interactions. These factors, in turn, are compared to clinical trials that have linked aeroallergens to allergic disease and associated health impacts. Finally, suggestions to address unmet needs and critical knowledge gaps are offered. Such recommendations are not meant to be inclusive, but to serve as a spur for the additional research and resources that will be necessary to acquire a better understanding of climate change, CO 2 , aeroallergens and associated allergic diseases. Such resources will be critical to derive time-relevant scientific and policy solutions that will minimize public health consequences in a changing climate.

Analysis of the Association Among Air Pollutants, Allergenic Pollen, and Respiratory Virus Infection of Children in Guri, Korea During Recent 5 Years

“…If, as expected, the impact of climate change continues to intensify, there is a critical need to assess the impact of these factors on aeroallergens, allergic diseases, and overall respiratory health. 19 20 21 Pollen worsens respiratory symptoms in people who are sensitive to it and can even worsen symptoms in patients with no sensitivity to pollen. 15 16 22 However, there are few studies on whether pollen exacerbates both respiratory symptoms and viral infections in people who are not sensitized to it.…”

Pollen Allergy in a Changing Planetary Environment

“… 30 An altered climate will affect the range of allergenic plant species and the length of the pollen season, and elevated atmospheric CO 2 levels may increase plant productivity and pollen production affecting plant ecology. 31 …”

‘Pollen potency’: the relationship between atmospheric pollen counts and allergen exposure

“…Kernerman et al, 1992) and pollution (e.g. Beck et al, 2013;Kim et al, 2018;Singer et al, 2005;Ziska, 2020;Ziska et al, 2019). Such factors have been shown to increase allergen content and have high potential to act as strong drivers of pollen potency because some allergens are plant defence proteins (Matricardi et al, 2016), which are commonly upregulated during plant stress (Tashpulatov et al, 2004).…”