Experts now warn that half the UK population could suffer from hay fever within the next 20 years currently some 15 million Britton’s suffer from it however with more people moving to cities the number of sufferers will double to 32million by 2030.

The Hay Fever Health Report says that the rise will be fuelled by air pollution in urban areas which exacerbates the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and eyes triggered by pollen. Professor Jean Emberlin the report’s author said: “As the urban population rises over the next 20 years, we can expect to see the number of hay fever sufferers double, if not more.”

She also stated:” Hay fever is the type of thing that people don’t take seriously until they suffer with it. It has a lot of economic implications. Individuals have to go out and buy medication or take time off to see their doctor. People only work at roughly 65 per cent productivity and if they are really rough, they will take a day off.”

Look in at areas that will be most affected the report forecasts the biggest rises in London and Birmingham, with 45 per cent of the cities’ population affected, up from the current 25 per cent. People who live in coastal areas and Scotland will be better off, with 39 per cent expected to suffer.

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Picture courtesy of Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi