A warning has been issued to hay fever in sufferers in Liverpool.
People in the region have rejoiced as brighter weather finally arrived in Merseyside after a gloomy February. Liverpool is basking in the spring sunshine again today, but experts have warned the warmer conditions could lead to a spike in tree pollen levels across the UK.
Liverpool is one of the regions expected to see high tree pollen levels for the rest of Wednesday. The global director at Kimberly-Clark UK said climate change may also be a contributing factor to tree pollen season season starting earlier than usual.
READ MORE: Met Office forecasts Liverpool temperatures to be hotter than Marbella
Jin Zhan said: “When temperatures rise, primary sources of pollutants tend to increase, making the air quality even more challenging for millions of hay fever sufferers.
“As such, global warming will likely cause pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer.”
Tree pollen levels are also expected to be high today across Coventry, Newcastle, Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Edinburgh and Manchester.
New research from Kleenex surveyed 2,000 people in the UK with hay fever and found that over the past 12 months many have experienced their symptoms getting worse. The survey found people who suffer from hay fever believe pollution (64%), rising temperatures (52%) and extreme weather conditions (38%) are the biggest environmental factors impacting their allergies.
One third of those polled admitted to staying indoors because their allergies are too severe, while 12% said they have called in sick to work. The head of clinical services at the charity Allergy UK said "living with allergies and maintaining a quality of life is not always easy".
Amena Warner added: "Enjoying everyday activities can become a real struggle.
“With the realities that warmer weather brings, it is crucial that allergy sufferers be given the advice, support and tools to manage their symptoms whilst staying active and healthy.”
Kleenex has developed new technology enhancing its pollen forecast, and users can now check the forecast at home and work locations up to five days in advance.
According to the research, more than half of allergy sufferers did not know what pollen they were allergic to. Kleenex has also designed a quiz to help people get a better idea of whether it is grass, tree, or weed pollen that affects them, giving a better understanding of their allergy so they can prepare for the season ahead.
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