Islamabad: Pollen count rises in capital

[Naveed Yaseen]

* People advised to use masks to avoid allergy
ISLAMABAD: With the advent of spring, number of people suffering from pollen allergy is increasing in the federal capital with each passing day. When contacted, a spokesman of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said pollen count had been a matter of grave concern for the city residents for the past many years. He said the department had been monitoring pollen count in atmosphere for the last seven years and providing latest bulletin to print and electronic media. He said information on pollen count was also available on http://www.pakmet.com.pk. “Nowadays pollens of paper mulberries are increasing in Islamabad,” he said, adding, the pollen count would go on increasing by mid of April. “When pollen count for any tree specie exceeds to 1,500 or more in per cubic meter of air sample, then technically it is termed ‘very high’, creating a sensitive situation especially for those who are already suffering from asthma or other airborne disease,” the spokesman said. Preventive measures: When asked about preventive measures to counter pollen allergy, he advised people to stay indoor and keep doors and windows of houses closed on windy and humid days during spring. He said immunotherapy could be a useful option for some people suffering from pollen allergy. He said in order to help avoid pollen as a trigger for children’s asthma, one should take special care of them. “Very few under-five children have asthma that is triggered by pollen unless they have other allergies or a family history of allergy,” the spokesman said He urged people to reduce outdoor activities early in the morning, as pollen count was maximum at that time. He also asked them to keep windows of vehicle closed while traveling. He also suggested use of mask to avoid pollen allergy. The PMD spokesman said though creation of a pollen-free zone was impossible in the city, preventive measures could help people avoid the disease. “Pollens of wind-pollinated plants are easily inhaled because of their tiny size and light weigh,” he said, adding, plantation of specimens, which do not produce spores, could reduce pollen count. Meanwhile, pollen count of paper mulberry remained 184 per cubic meter of air (PCMA), of acacia 2 PCMA, of grasses 12 PCMA, of alternaria 28 PCMA, of cannabis 18 PCMA and of pines 6 PCMA in the federal capital. app

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