Dossier
Hay fever and pollen
Hay fever is an allergic reaction that is caused by pollen from trees, grasses and herbaceous plants. When this pollen is dispersed by the wind, people with hay fever suffer from sneezing, red and itchy eyes and a stuffy nose.
Weather conditions determine when 'hay fever plants' flower and how much pollen they release into the atmosphere. Every year, the progression of hay fever symptoms can differ. The daily pollen concentration in the atmosphere in the Netherlands is measured by the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and Elkerliek Hospital in Helmond.
As part of the Nature’s Calendar observation programme, secondary school students and volunteers keep track of when various hay fever plants begin flowering. The students who conduct observations are also involved with the GLOBE Programme, an international education programme on the environmental sciences established in 1995 by Al Gore.
Knowledge about hay fever is limited
Ambrosia
One plant species that is known world-wide for causing hay fever symptoms is Ambrosia. This species, which is an exotic in the Netherlands, produces large amounts of strongly allergenic pollen. Moreover, the plant flowers late in the year, so the hay fever season for people who are sensitive to Ambrosia can be up to two months longer. Ambrosia originated from North America and has become widespread in the Netherlands because its seeds are unintentionally present in birdseed and wildflower mixtures. By removing plants before they begin flowering, nuisance from the pollen can be prevented, and the species is less likely to spread.
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Publications on hay fever and pollen
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Daily weather data from Nizanda, Mexico (2006-2024)
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How do foodservice companies organize for inbound open innovation? Empirical evidence from a Dutch organization
British Food Journal (2024), Volume: 126, Issue: 5 - ISSN 0007-070X - p. 1809-1829. -
Towards increased shading capacity : A combined phenotypic and genetic analysis of rice shoot architecture
Plants People Planet (2024), Volume: 6, Issue: 1 - ISSN 2572-2611 - p. 128-147. -
Durability assessment of lignin-based asphalt for sustainable road construction
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Four epistemic reasons to consult religious traditions
Constellations (2024), Volume: 31, Issue: 1 - ISSN 1351-0487 - p. 85-97. -
Salinity, stocking density, and their interactive effects on growth performance and physiological parameters of white-leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), reared in inland ground saline water
Aquaculture International (2024), Volume: 32, Issue: 1 - ISSN 0967-6120 - p. 675-690. -
Place-based education through immersive virtual experiences — preparing biology students for the field
Journal of Biological Education (2024), Volume: 58, Issue: 2 - ISSN 0021-9266 - p. 406-429. -
Scientific Advisory Board of the European Forest Institute (External organisation)
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Exploring spiritual values in forest management practices in the Netherlands
Trees, Forests and People (2024), Volume: 16 - ISSN 2666-7193 -
Alle hens aan dek voor een ultieme lastpost
Aardappelwereld (2024), Volume: 78, Issue: 3 - ISSN 0169-653X - p. 33-36.