Rarely a week passes where a new event or study is touted as a result or indication of global warming. While politicians endlessly debate the causes of global warming most scientists agree in principle that the earth is gradually warming, and there is little debate over the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The impact of these two trends is still not fully known, but coinciding with these is an increase in the cases of allergies and asthma diagnosed each year.

A recent Newsweek article discusses this further, but the central idea is that as global warming increases there will be a very real impact on allergy sufferers worldwide. In addition to this, preliminary data suggests that urban allergy and asthma suffers will feel an even greater effect from these changes.

Increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels are linked to higher levels of tree pollen, earlier allergy seasons due to trees blooming sooner than in the past, a proliferation of mold and fungal spores as well as an increasing toxicity of many common allergens. All of this spells trouble for allergy sufferers.

The mix of ozone, smog and increasingly high levels of pollen is making it ever more important that those who suffer from allergies control their environment as much as possible. Whether it is using an air purifier or encasing your bedding, the plight of allergy sufferers looks like it will get worse before it gets any better.