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Monday, 27 June 2005 11:03

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Worst month on record for hey fever sufferers

Scientists have reported that this summer has been the worst on record for hey fever sufferers and warned that the pollen count will get higher still in the weeks ahead.

The warm, dry weather has meant more people suffering the effects of hay fever, with the grass pollen season starting early in mid-May and projected to last through July.

Pollen counts for the past week have been more than six times the 150 grain per cubic meter level regarded as ‘very high’.

And in Derby, a count of 922 was recorded – the highest in this country since records began in 1968.

An extended hay fever season is expected to become a permanent feature of the British summer due to climate change, prompting worries about the impacts on students and workers.

Professor Jean Emberlin wants the Department of Education to move GCSEs and A levels to the beginning of May to avoid the worst of the pollen counts.

“It would be better to shift the exams altogether so that everyone has a level playing field,” she said.

“People with hay fever get tired, can’t concentrate and feel physically sick.”

Fifteen to 20 per cent of adults and around 38 per cent of teenagers suffer from hey fever in the UK.

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