Pollen Grain Effects on Human Health

Pollen can cause allergic reactions.

Pollen provides a means for plants to propagate and can be a food source for animals. The fine granules often become airborne when disturbed, and are inhaled by humans. Pollen exposure can sometimes causing adverse reactions in people.

Allergies

The human body's immune system can overreact to certain allergens, like pollen, as a defense mechanism. This can cause unpleasant, but rarely deadly, physical symptoms to occur.

Exposure

Also called "hay fever" or "seasonal allergies," pollen reactions occur when people either inhale or touch pollen. Those with a family history of pollen allergies are more susceptible.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include one or all of the following, in varying severity levels: sneezing, clear or watery nasal discharge, congestion, itchy eyes, nose and throat and watery eyes.

Pollen Types

Hay fever is most frequently caused by grass pollen, but tree pollen from species like hazel and horse chestnut and pollen from weeds can also cause it.

History

Those with a family history of such allergies are more susceptible. Pollen allergies are relatively new, having not been documented before 1800, according to the University of Worcester's National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit.

References

• Pollen.com: What are allergies?
• University of Worcester, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit: Allergy and Pollen