Islamabad is now considered ‘capital’ of pollen allergy

Islamabad: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Director Health Directorate Dr. Hasan Arooj has said the number of pollen allergy patients are increasing day by day due to which Islamabad is now considered as 'capital' of the pollen allergy in the world. "When paper mulberry was planted in 1962 to beautify the capital city no one knew that it would become a matter of grave concern for the local residents. But now we have to cope with the situation by adopting all precautionary measures," he said. He said: "I would advise all the residents having pollen allergy to avoid going to gardens and forests and jogging at tracks that are in the green areas.

The major source of pollen allergy in Islamabad is the paper mulberry due to which in March the amount of pollen can increase to 35,000 per cubic metre." The National Institute of Health (NIH) has advised citizens of the capital to avoid wooded areas and where plantation is in abundance. According to the advisory issued by NIH pollen count in the air increases in the spring season because of trees, dandelion, grass and flowers due to which people face respiratory problems, rash in eyes and red skin.

Dr. Hasan Arooj said the rain in last couple of days has brought down the grains of pollen but these would again appear in the air during sunshine, adding "The people should avoid opening doors and windows especially in the evening time to prevent pollen grains from entering their houses."