Another consequence of global warming? MEGA HIGH pollen counts

[CatWoman]

Last week in Atlanta, the pollen counts were off the chart in the 5000 - 6000+ range.

Bear in mind that anything over 200 is deemed "extremely high", and everything is covered with lime green dust.

I am sooooo envious of people who are not affected by this stuff.

[NV Whino]

1. So that's ACHOO...

what's going on. ACHOO!

[napi21]

2. Boy, you and me both Cat. Our house is surrounded by those damn

pine trees, and I've been watching those little yellow buds form and mature for a couple of weeks. I was actually HOPING for the storms theyhad forecast for today because it would at least bring it all down at once, but no such luck! At least not so far.

[CatWoman]

4. last week everything I ate came right back up

I was never so miserable in my life :scared:

[jwirr]

3. There is already a rise in the incidence of allergies and sinus problems.

[BOSSHOG]

5. It damned near killed me a couple weeks back

It was the worst I'd ever experienced with pollen and it still hasn't finished its cycle. My black truck is yellow.

[Firepit 462]

6. No. It's a function of a really wet winter, and Spring.

Here in NM we have the same problem, pollen counts are well over 1000. But it's because the awesome winter we had put much needed moisture in the ground ALL over the state. So now there is a bumber crop of everythig that blooms.

[drm604]

7. Wet winter and spring.

Which may, or may not, be a consequence of global warming.

[Firepit 462]

20. Which do you think it is ?

[drm604]

28. I have no idea and it's really beside the point.

See my response to your post #19.

[gatorboy]

9. Not sure about your weatherman skills ;)

This year, we've had one of our driest winters in Arkansas (Not to mention last winter) and we have never had a pollen outbreak like this. On top of that, the winters have been so warm and dry over the past few years, that the ticks and fleas never properly died out. So on top of the record pollen, we have to deal with record flea/tick infestations.

[Firepit 462]

19. Post #7 will satisfy you,

A wet Winter/Spring may....or may not..... be a function of global warming. So the dry winter in Arkansas may....or may not be a function of global warming. So the ticks, fleas, and lack of moisture may....or may not be a function of global warming, you can be right no matter what.
All I'm saying is that there is an actual, recordable, environmental reason for the conditions in Arkansas. If you go to the Arkansas State Parks web site, or the State Game and Fish site there will be information ragarding this that will make sense.


Here in NM our pollen count is consistantly attributed to the seasonal rain/snow accumulation. We have been in severe drought conditions for better than 7 years, this years rain and snow seemed like an epic amount of moisture, when in fact it was just barely above the average we used to get 10-15 years ago. The pollen here in NM comes from plants (juniper/cedar largest culprits) that are known high pollen produces when they have enough water to grow and become healthy.And with the moisture being so low for so long, the increase in moisture this year is making the whole state "explode" with plant life.

[gatorboy]

22. How's that satisfy me, Al Roker?

It's still miserable here. :P

Hey, I could care less if you think global warming is bullshit. It's your opinion. You said that the reason for all the pollen was a very wet winter. I'm saying our winter was pretty dry so that's definitely not the case for our area. In fact, dry weather is one of the main determinations for a high pollen count. Without the rain, the pollen settles in an area and stays for longer periods of time. Dry winds also help kick this stuff around.

[CatWoman]

24. Gatorboy

we didn't have an especially wet winter here in Atlanta, either......

[gatorboy]

25. I'm not sure he understands that dry weather is the real culprit.

Without rain, the pollen stays in an area for longer periods of time. And with it getting warmer and no doubt dryer. It's going to get worse.

[drm604]

27. My point was

that you seemed to be categorically denying that it was a consequence of global warming and using a "wetter winter" as your proof. Obviously, if it's a consequence of global warming then it would be through some intermediate mechanism that itself was a consequence of global warming (such as a wetter winter, faster growing ragweed, or whatever) so you can't disprove it by pointing at something like a wetter winter. THAT was my point. I wasn't trying to "be right no matter what". :eyes:

And please don't misuse my responses as part of your arguments.

[Firepit 462]

21. Later in the day today there is,

a significant chance for darkness, with a 100% chance of clearing back into brightness later in the cycle. Folks, I'm afraid we are stuck in the "light / dark " cycle for some time so electric light are only recomended during the dark periods. But for you summertime free spirit souls out there, fun will be encouraged in both the dark and light pattern changes.

Gimme a stick and a blue screen I COULD SO be the Weatherman.

[shadowknows69]

8. Yeah me too

anything over 500 would probably kill me.

[Done]

10. Where are the bees?

We've got flowers blooming everywhere, but I haven't seen a bee this year.
:shrug:

[bdamomma]

15. this "bee" thing is definitely has been spotted as a big problem

the lack of bees.

[Marnieworld]

11. Not that we are talking about it- consider me BLESSED

I have had allergies for my entire life, leave aside the fact that I have no religion, the phrase "GOD BLESS YOU" for a repeat sneezer like myself is so unbelievably annoying. It's meaningless, it obligates me to particpate in a pointless call and response while I am still sneezing, or I'm a bitch who's rude when I ignore.

Enough already. Scream "Hey you sneezed", same point. And of course if you do sneeze more than the Blesser wants to say then you get annoyed and judgemental Bless yous which translates to, "Shut up already."

My only regret is that it is allergies not a virus so I can't infect people.

[CatWoman]

12. LOL

You ok, Marnie?

:hi:

[Marnieworld]

23. I sneeze at just the sight of all of those cute kitties

At the moment I am fine, but I vent from years of rooms full of people, airplanes etc. Blessing me kindly, then questioning and then annoyed as if it is the first time for me. This is just my inner monologue while I am having a sneezing fit and I figured maybe it could be a public service announcement here. If I can help just one little sneezing girl... ;)

Luckily for me I can handle little doggies. I wish I knew how to post pictures here. I work in IT, actually know web design, posting here for years and yet have not figured this out. I always like looking at your kitties.

Ahh-choo! :hi:

[bdamomma]

this was discussed last nite on the news

due to lack of cold weather, warmer winter, and they said it affects pets also. they mentioned to wipe off your pets when they come inside. everyone is suffering.

[bdamomma]

13. double post sorry.

[AllieB]

14. I'm there for a conference at the end of the month

Thanks for the warning. I'll bring my Claritin!

[CatWoman]

26. give out a yell Allie

maybe we can get together for a drink, or maybe coffee

:hi:

[freethought]

16. Just because one may not be allergic to pollen

does not mean it won't have an affect on you in some way. I have never had problem with pollen but I have friends and family who do, I have a sister who can barely function when pollen counts get high. If she could have and adverse reaction on a count of 200
I would hate to see what would happen to someone who is exposed to a count of 5000-6000.

[Skidmore]

17. Yeah, it's pretty bad already here. The plant world has been

trying to kill off my hubby for about 3 weeks now. A bit earlier than usual.

[Skidmore]

18. oops double post

self delete

[gatorboy]

29. Here's an article on the matter, CatWoman:

http://www.post-gazette.com/healthscience/20010516pollen2.asp

Dry, windy conditions this spring have kept pollens and mold spores airborne, increasing the misery for seasonal allergy sufferers.

Children's Hospital says tree pollen counts are now three time highers than they were at the same time last year and mold counts are 20 times higher.

<snip>

The big difference between this season and last, Skoner said, isn't that trees are releasing more pollens, but that the pollens are remaining airborne. Rain has been sparse and that means pollens aren't getting washed out of the air.

The rain also isn't washing away pollen that has settled on surfaces. So with blustery weather, the dry winds can kick up the pollen and send it aloft once more.

"It's just getting dispersed and dispersed again," Jensen said.

[CatWoman]

30. Many thanks, GB

:hi: