The future impact of global warming on allergic diseases is to be evaluated in a new investigation (launched on Sunday in Vienna) by an international team of researchers including the University of East Anglia (UEA). The project is funded by the European Commission.
This is the first investigation of its kind to focus on the spread of Ambrosia Artemisiifolia an invasive species commonly known as ragweed and native to North America. Ambrosia Artemisiifolia grows to approximately one meter (3 feet) and its pollen is a strong allergen that can cause hayfever, eczema and asthma. Although ragweed has not yet reached the UK, it is reaching epidemic proportions in several parts of mainland Europe and Japan (known as pig grass), in addition the plant has invaded crops, reducing profit for farmers.
In Europe, allergies cost the healthcare system over 25 billion euros each year, and pollen-induced respiratory allergy is on the rise. In the worst affected areas, 1 in 5 children suffer from allergies brought on by Ambrosia Artemisiifolia.
The three-year study will investigate how rising temperatures intensify the serious health problems the plant causes – by increasing the amount of pollen produced, extending the pollen season, and by extending its geographical distribution.
Environmental researchers from the University of East Anglia will collaborate with teams in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia and Italy on the investigation. The team is made up of immunologists, dermatologists, biologists, allergists, climate scientists and physicists. The discoveries will inform policy on dealing with the increased health problems resulting from global environmental change.
Dr Clare Goodess of UEA’s Climate Research Unit, who will be investigating the past and future patterns of climate change affecting pollen distribution, explained:
“Common ragweed is not an issue here in the UK – yet. As global temperatures rise we are seeing very rapid spread of this highly invasive plant and it may only be a matter of time before it appears in the UK – causing real health problems for the growing number of people who suffer from allergies, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.”
Dr Iain Lake of UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences, who will lead work on evaluating the changing risks of allergic disease, stated:
“Using state-of-the-art modeling we will analyze the likely impact of changes in climate, land use and air pollution on pollen-induced allergy over the coming decades and devise adaptation and prevention strategies to minimize the impact on global health.”
The investigators will concentrate on two periods: 2010-2030, in which inter-decadal climate variability is a crucial factor, as well as 2050-2070, when it is expected that human-induced global warming resulting from increased greenhouse gas emissions are to become a dominant issue.
The project is called ‘Atopic diseases in changing climate, land use and air quality’, and brings together investigators from UEA and Rothamsted Research in the UK with research institutions and SMEs from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. The project is coordinated by the Medical University of Vienna.
Written by Grace Rattue