ISLAMABAD: As we enter into March 2025, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday issued a pollen spread advisory for the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
“The Pollen spread has started in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and is expected to peak during the second to third week of March 2025.The pollen concentration gradually increases with the onset of spring season and attains its peak around full bloom of flowers,” stated the press release by PMD.
According to details, Islamabad’s air is dominated by Paper Mulberry, accounting for 97 percent of total pollen with peak concentrations reaching 45,000 per cubic meter.
Meanwhile, the remaining 3 percent pollen spread is constituted by Acacia, Eucalyptus, Pines, Grasses, Cannabis, Dandelion and Alternaria.
Pollen Spread Dangers
It merits a mention that pollen from various plants is a common cause of hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, and asthma.
Symptoms of hay fever include runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and even appearance of hives on body. Everyone’s immune system is different and allergies to pollens can cause different symptoms.
However, those with pollen allergy are more vulnerable in the Spring season as pollen can be breathed into the lungs and directly cause asthma in some people.
“The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has installed surveillance devices in various sectors of Islamabad i.e., H-8, E-8, F-10 and G-6 to monitor airborne pollen levels,” stated the press release by PMD on Tuesday.
“People with asthma and respiratory diseases are severely impacted by the surge in pollen concentrations.”
It also stated that to keep the public informed about the pollen break in Spring, the PMD will l publish daily updates on pollen concentration data throughout the pollen season on their website (www.pmd.gov.pk) and through print and electronic media.
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