How pollen affects our health and economy
Pollen is tiny but powerful particles that affect the lives of many people. Especially in the spring and summer months, the concentration of pollen in the air increases, which can lead to various health problems. In this article, we would like to raise awareness of the pollen problem and show how air filters in buildings and cabin air filters for vehicles can effectively protect against these invisible intruders.
The impact of pollen on health
Pollen are the male reproductive cells of plants and are spread by wind, insects, or other mechanisms. For many people, however, they are not just a natural part of the ecosystem—they are a source of discomfort and health problems.
Allergic reactions caused by pollen
One of the most common effects of pollen is pollen allergy, also known as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Sufferers experience symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose, skin rashes and itching, as well as breathing difficulties and asthma attacks.
These symptoms can significantly impair quality of life and make everyday life difficult.
Long-term health risks caused by pollen
In the long term, repeated pollen allergies can lead to chronic respiratory diseases. One of the most common complications is asthma, which can worsen with regular exposure to pollen. Allergies can also lead to sleep disorders, poor mental health, and reduced well-being. It also results in significant healthcare costs for global economies.
Social and economic impact
As a result of the above symptoms, pollen allergies can affect work productivity and school performance. Studies from the US report a 21% decline in productivity and four million days of absence per year. This costs American companies more than $250 million annually due to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. From an economic perspective, the annual cost of asthma in the US is $80 billion, of which $50 billion is healthcare costs and $3 billion is lost work and school days.
In Europe, pollen allergies are estimated to affect 40% of the total population, and the cost of pollen allergies is estimated at approximately €130 billion per year. Other studies show that high pollen levels can reduce consumption by approximately two to three percent, as people go outside less and consume less.
These are already frightening figures. However, climate change and global warming will increase them even further, as the pollen season lengthens and pollen concentrations increase. This will inevitably lead to worsening symptoms and even greater social and economic impacts.
How filters can help against pollen
Fortunately, there are effective measures that reduce exposure to pollen. High-quality air filters in buildings and cabin filters in vehicles can significantly contribute to improving air quality.
Air filters in buildings ensure clean indoor air
Modern air filters in buildings are designed to remove the smallest particles, including pollen, from the air. They use advanced filtration technologies such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which effectively capture even the smallest pollen particles.
Air filters in buildings reduce indoor pollen concentrations and allow allergy sufferers to breathe more easily thanks to fewer symptoms. In addition to pollen, these systems also filter other pollutants such as dust, mold spores, and bacteria, which overall leads to better indoor air quality.
Cabin air filters protect passengers in cars and trucks
Pollen can also be a problem in cars, especially on longer journeys. This is because during normal operation, a car's ventilation system draws approximately 300,000 liters of air into the vehicle interior every hour—and thus also draws in pollen from the surrounding air.
Cabin air filters for vehicles are therefore specially designed to keep the air inside the vehicle clean. A clean vehicle interior reduces exposure to allergens and ensures a more pleasant driving experience. Especially during pollen season, these filters offer protection that is essential for allergy sufferers. By reducing symptoms, cabin air filters directly increase driver awareness and thus road safety.
Pollen is an underestimated but serious threat to the health of many people. However, with the help of building air filters and cabin air filters for vehicles, we can effectively combat these invisible intruders. Invest in quality filtration systems and enjoy a better quality of life—at home and on the road.
Sources
[1]: Pollen. European Conservatory for Climate and Health (2024): https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/observatory/evidence/health-effects/aeroallergens
[2]: Reduced work/academic performance and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis and the effect of allergen immunotherapy. Roger et al, Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology (2016): "Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology": https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-016-0146-9
[3]: Pollen increase raises allergy and asthma hospitalizations and impacts the economy. Medical Economics (2023): https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/the-rise-in-pollen-is-spiking-allergy-and-asthma-hospitalizations-and-impacting-the-economy
[4]: Allergenic pollens and pollen allergies in Europe. D'Amato et al. Allergy (2007): D'Amato et al: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01393.x
[5]: The hidden costs of pollen allergies: how pollen data can revolutionize healthcare systems. Meersens: https://meersens.com/pollen-allergy-cost-how-pollen-data-revolutionize-healthcare-systems/?lang=en
[6]: The effect of pollen exposure on economic activity: Evidence from home scanner data. Yuta Kuroda. Graduate School of Economics and Management, Tohoku University (2020): http://www2.econ.tohoku.ac.jp/~DSSR/DDSR-DP/no114.pdf
