What are pollen levels across Tasmania right now? The risk as the state heads into summer

Health experts are predicting a potentially deadly pollen season in spring and summer. Find out where pollen levels are highest >

Health experts issue warning of strong pollen season ahead. File picture

Health experts are warning of a potentially life-threatening spring and summer for asthma sufferers with a strong pollen season ahead.

AirHealth and the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, who jointly operate the AirRater Service, are predicting grass pollen levels will be higher than seen in recent years for Tasmania this spring and summer.

This is due to significant winter rainfall and above-median rainfall predicted for eastern Tasmania this spring by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Rainfall has helped to enhance soil moisture levels across the state, leading to a potential surge in grass growth as warmer weather begins, leading to more grass pollen in the air.

The most common allergy for people with asthma and hay fever is grass pollen.

Areas in the southeast and central regions saw most of the winter rainfall, leading to increased soil moisture levels compared to 2023.

Generic asthma puffer image.

The BOM is also predicting eastern Tasmania will receive above-median rainfall in the next three months while western Tasmania will experience below-median rainfall.

This will help to highlight where grass growth and therefore higher levels of grass pollen will occur.

AirRater chief investigator Professor Fay Johnston said there was variability year-on-year for grass pollen levels, with this year’s predictions similar to global trends.

“This is a bigger than average grass season for Tasmania,” she said.

“Globally, we have seen a trend towards higher than average grass seasons and therefore grass pollen, mainly due to climate change.”

UTAS Professor Fay Johnston who will head up the new Centre for Safe Air. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

AirRater also monitors tree pollens, smoke and other air pollutants in Tasmania, with Professor Johnston stating there are already high birch pollen levels.

“We’ve actually got a lot of birch around, so it may well be that there’s a lot of suffering going on right now, particularly with hay fever,” she said.

“We get a lot of European trees here in Hobart and then that usually passes through September, October, and our grass tends to come on in December, and it’s associated with worsening asthma and worsening hay fever.”

This Friday, total pollen count in Hobart was very high at 92 grains per cubic metre while Bicheno, Strahan and Launceston had a moderate rating of 43 grains per cubic metre.

Chief Operating and Scientific Officer at AirHealth Dr Edwin Lampugnani said the AirRater was the best way to stay informed on air quality and pollen ratings during the dangerous season.

“Knowing the conditions allows you to make better decisions, helping to reduce your pollen exposure during daily activities,” he said.

Health Projects and Partnerships Coordinator at Asthma Australia Jess Tyler said spring and summer can be a deadly time for people with asthma.

Experts say a strong pollen season could be deadly. File picture

“There have been many deaths from pollen and through thunderstorm attacks in particular,” she said.

“As well as having a strong summer pollen season, there can also be storms and weather events that get pollens flying around for people to breathe in.

“Asthma can be deadly on its own, let alone having pollen flying around that causes asthma attacks.”

Ms Tyler said that warnings for high pollen seasons provided the perfect opportunity for those living with asthma and hay fever to get prepared.

“You need to check in with your GP and make sure that your asthma action plan is up to date heading into pollen season,” she said.

“You might need to have a review with your GP of your medication and if you’re prescribed a preventer, you should be taking that every day, even when you’re well, because that will keep your airways less susceptible to a flare up and less susceptible to being triggered by pollen and those preventers can take a few weeks to kick in, so the sooner you start with those, the better.”

Masks, staying indoors and using an air purifier in the home and car can also assist during the pollen season.

Fast facts: Pollen levels

Bicheno – Moderate rating (43 grains per cubic metre)

Strahan – Moderate rating (43 grains per cubic metre)

Launceston – Moderate rating (43 grains per cubic metre)

Hobart – Very High (92 grains per cubic metre)

Dover – Very High (92 grains per cubic metre)

Burnie – Moderate (43 grains per cubic metre)

Ouse – Very High (92 grains per cubic metre)

Originally published as What are pollen levels across Tasmania right now? The risk as the state heads into summer