Climate Change and Pollen, Mold and Air Quality

Climate change is lengthening the growing season in Vermont, a change that may also extend the length of the pollen allergy season. Recent research from the Midwest reported that the ragweed pollen season has increased by over two weeks since 1995 in northern states. The longer growing season, combined with increased plant growth due to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the air, is likely to increase the allergenic pollen in the air we breathe. Further increases in allergy triggers could result in widespread respiratory impacts to Vermonters.

Increased humidity and occasional flooding will likely also lead to increased problems with mold growth in buildings. Damp and moldy conditions in buildings can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or other health problems.

Climate change impacts on air pollution and wildfire smoke in Vermont are less certain. Air quality is generally expected to improve as more states replace fossil fuels with clean energy sources (wind, solar and hydro (water)) and motor vehicles continue to get cleaner and more efficient. Air pollution may still be a problem at certain times of the year, or when winds blow in pollutants from nearby urbanized areas. For example, ozone formation is worst on the hottest days of the year, while fine particulate matter from wood burning is worst on the coldest days, especially in some mountain valleys. Both pollutants have impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health. The World Health Organization estimates that around the world, nearly 4 million people die prematurely each year from outdoor air pollution.

Wildfire smoke could become worse if Vermont begins experiencing more droughts, which may contribute to more local wildfires, or if winds blow wildfire smoke from more fire-prone parts of the U.S. or Canada toward Vermont. Wildfire smoke can have impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Here are some resources about pollen and its health effects:

• Learn about asthma and how to manage it.

• Check the current tree, grass and weed pollen counts in South Burlington.

• Read more about seasonal allergies in a changing climate.

Follow these tips on how to prevent mold growth and fix mold problems in buildings:

• Learn about the health effects of mold, how to prevent mold growth, and how to fix mold problems

• Learn about how to clean up mold after a flood

Nearly any action taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will also result in less air pollution. Here are some resources and tips to monitor and reduce air pollution:

• Check the Vermont Air Quality Forecast

• Learn how to heat with wood cleanly and efficiently

• Check out rebate and incentive programs for upgrading older wood-burning devices at the Renewable Energy Resource Center and Efficiency Vermont

• Learn more about ways to reduce air pollution at home, on the job, and on the road