ISLAMABAD: With flowers blooming after the recent rain and bright sunshine, pollen count has dramatically jumped in the capital, crossing 15,000 particles per cubic metre (PPM).

The sudden rise in the pollen count has increased allergy cases and respiratory problems among residents.

Data released by the Met Office on Tuesday showed that paper mulberry trees were releasing a huge amount of pollen. Out of the total pollen count of 21,934 PPM, the contribution of paper mulberry was 21,634, and that too mostly coming from the H-8 sector.

The second highest pollen release was coming from pine trees - 115 PPM - whereas the grass spores accounted for around 100 PPM.

The pollen count this year has been significantly higher compared to the previous year because of the recent rain.

Last year, the pollen count up to March 8 was almost negligible as the last two weeks of February and the first week of March went dry. On the contrary, there have been two spells of rains in the last 20 days. The pollen grains are the male tiny particles which are released from trees, weeds and grass.

These grains float in the air to fertilise other parts of plants but many species of pollen have some level of allergens which cause breathing problems, nausea and nasal blockades in humans as well as some animals.

However, the pollen counts drop significantly during rains as the floating spores get dissolved with rainwater and die off. With more rains expected from Thursday night, the pollen count is likely to drop.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2016