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Trump can keep National Guard in Los Angeles for now, appeals court rules; Experts warn of normalization of political violence; FL shellfish industry, communities push governor to ban Apalachicola drilling; Utah weighs cost of repealing clean-energy tax credits.

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White House says decision on Iran strikes will come in two weeks. Conservatives in Congress demand answers on former President Biden's mental acuity, and a new lawsuit could change Maryland's primary election process.

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Giant data centers powering artificial intelligence want cheap rural land but some communities are pushing back, Hurricane Helene mobilized a North Carolina town in unexpected ways, and Cherokee potters make ceramics that honor multiple generations.

WA's advanced pollen tracking tool can help allergy sufferers

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025   

Washington's pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer, thanks to climate change, with research showing airborne pollen levels across the country increasing more than 20% in the last 30 years.

Rad Cunningham, climate and health manager for the Washington State Department of Health, said to track local trends, pollen monitors have been installed across the state. Cunningham explained the goal is to study the effects of climate change on pollen and help allergy sufferers. About one in four adults and one in five children suffer from allergies and must anticipate high pollen levels to manage exposure.

He added if you know what kind of pollen you are allergic to, you can plan your day to avoid it.

"Three, four o'clock is when you get that big bump in pollen levels," Cunningham observed. "For me, that's just not when I'm going to walk my dog. If I'm able to really pay attention to it, I'll have my windows closed during that time of day as well."

Cunningham suggested using the Pollen Wise app, which pulls data from the closest pollen monitor. He pointed out unlike other pollen tracking methods which give updates daily, the monitors are updating pollen level data every hour. He also recommended running a HEPA air filter inside, which takes care of pollen and other indoor allergens.

With more than 60 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, researchers are always developing new treatments. Immunotherapy, which can change the body's immune response to allergens, includes allergy shots. In recent years the Food and Drug Administration has approved sublingual tablets, which can treat reactions to grass pollen, ragweed and dust mites.

Dr. Gregory Carnevale, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, suggested checking with your doctor to keep up with the latest treatments.

"One of the values of seeing a health care professional is some of these newer medications can oftentimes have less side effects," Carnevale noted.

Cunningham added while Washington has not seen record pollen levels like in parts of the South, they are possible. With grass pollen season nearing and given the wet spring, he emphasized allergy sufferers should prepare for a higher-than-usual pollen count this year.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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