ISLAMABAD: The pollen count in the federal capital reached 36,695 grains per cubic metres on Saturday, which is thehighest in fi ve years, and due to conducive weather conditions it is likely to rise in coming days.

The bulk of pollen counts amounting to 36,583 grains per cubic meter belong to paper mulberry, and only a small amount comes from grasses, pine trees and some local fungi.

The pollen count in the city was mere 7,996 grains per cubic metre at the start of the week, but a sudden surge waswitnessed on Friday and Saturday.

According to the data prepared by Pakistan Metrological Department, the highest pollen count was 32,737 in 2016 and 34,585 in 2015, but it remained below 32,000 grains per cubic metre in 2013 and 2014.

Pollen are spores released by all vegetations, and can cause allergies to some people.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2017