Pollen
Pollen concentrations when and where you need it
Pollen can affect our daily well-being. Particularly for those among us who suffer from allergies, and might have serious allergic reactions including respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches, and eye infections. But even people not allergic can exhibit symptoms, and high pollen can have long-term health risks as other forms of air pollution.
AWE Tiles provide a seamless and elegant solution to stay informed about pollen without the clutter of additional apps and notifications vying for your attention. Unlike your mobile devices or your computer, an AWE Tile can be a dedicated space for this vital information, ensuring it remains central in your daily life without ever disrupting your flow or concentration.
With AWE Tiles, pollen count can be as visible and accessible as the time on a clock. A glance at your wall can inform you of the day's pollen forecast, providing a constant, yet unobtrusive reminder. Positioning an AWE Tile in strategic locations around your home ensures you're always prepared for the day ahead and can take measures before going out, sending your children off to school, or making plans for the weekend.
You can customize your tiles to display only the most relevant information to you—whether that is the current pollen count in your neighborhood, a forecast for the coming days, the pollen count at the park you usually go, or specific types of pollen that are of particular concern to you or your family.
In embracing the AWE tiles for pollen information, you are not just adding another gadget to our homes; you are adopting a lifestyle change that places our health and well-being at the forefront while taking steps to reduce the dependency on your phone that might already be ruling much of your waking hours.
Pollen basics
Pollen is a powdery substance that is produced by plants as part of their reproductive process. Overall, pollen is a common cause of hay fever and can cause allergic reactions in some people. There are several different types of pollen, each of which comes from a different type of plant.
Generally, a pollen count below 10 pollen grains per m3 is considered low and a concentration above 50 is high. However, sensitivities for different concentrations and different types of pollen can differ widely. AWE tiles can display the total pollen concentration and the concentrations of the main pollen types, including:
Grass pollen: Grass pollen is produced by various types of grasses, including rye, timothy, and fescue. It is the most common type of pollen, and it typically causes hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is usually released from late spring to early fall, depending on the type of grass.
Tree pollen: Tree pollen is produced by various types of trees, including oak, birch, and cedar. It is released in the spring, typically between late March and early May. Tree pollen can also cause hay fever symptoms, but it is less common than grass pollen.
Weed pollen: Weed pollen is produced by various types of weeds, including ragweed, nettles and lamb's quarters. It is usually released in the late summer and fall, and it can cause hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Pollen can have harmful effects on human health, especially for those with allergies or asthma. Some of the specific health effects of pollen include:
Hay fever: Pollen can cause hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO), hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects more than 400 million people, with prevalence rates between 10% and 30% among adults and over 40% among children.
Asthma: Allergic asthma occurs when the airways tighten in response to inhaling allergens like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold spores. Pollen exposure can contribute to increased hospital admissions for asthma exacerbations, especially during peak pollen seasons.
Managing pollen allergies involves finding relief through medications prescribed by an allergist and taking preventive measures like staying indoors during high pollen counts, using air filters, and avoiding exposure to pollen by not cutting grass or spending too much time outside.
As climate change impacts pollen patterns, there is a concern that pollen seasons may start earlier and last longer, potentially affecting more individuals with allergies and asthma.
Pollen-related allergies are a major public health problem across the world, and it is a leading cause of respiratory allergies. It is important to note that these effects may vary depending on the region of the world, the time of year, and the type of pollen. To get more information on the health effects of pollen and its health impact across the world, it is suggested to refer to the WAO, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
