Ottawa lab warns Hamilton to brace for intense allergy season

A research lab in Ottawa warns that a significant rise in highly allergenic pollen in the coming weeks could pose a threat for people in the Hamilton area.

Aerobiology Research Laboratories (ARL) says that the cool weather in April slowed the release of pollen and outdoor molds across the region.

They say the warmer temperatures expected in May could mean an intense allergy season in the next few weeks.

“The arrival of warmer weather in Hamilton is triggering a rise in highly allergenic pollen types such as Birch, Oak and Poplar,” said Daniel Coates, director of ARL. “While Cedar and Maple pollen are still present, the emergence of Birch, Oak and Ash will lead to increased discomfort for allergy sufferers who rely on accurate forecasts to understand the conditions in their area.”

In Canada, April and May are the months that see the most tree pollen. The average growing season starts about six days earlier than it did in the mid-20th century, according to federal data.

Average North American pollen concentrations are up 20 per cent over the past three decades, a 2020 study found.

Grass season usually peaks in late spring or early summer, but has been slowly overlapping with tree pollen season over the last few years.

With files from the Canadian Press.

WATCH MORE: Developer proposal to cut down 300-year-old trees to build Ancaster subdivision gets shot down