Allergy Giant Ambrosia fields in Berlin

Allergy: Huge ambrosia fields discovered in Berlin.

(14.09.2010 In Berlin huge fields of the dangerous Ambrosia plant were discovered.The hazardous Ambrosia is the strongest pollen allergen in the world and is therefore particularly feared among allergic persons.The spread of the plant in the city is far greater than previously thought.

In Berlin, the spread of ambrosia was investigated. The result: the allergy plant has increased much more than previously thought. So-called environmental scouts would have huge „Mega-pounds“ made, as the climate expert and meteorologist at the FU Berlin, Thomas Dümmel opposite the radio station „RBB Info Radio“ confirmed. It had not previously been assumed that the Ambrosia had spread in such an extreme form. So far, the experts had suggested that it would be a few thousand plants. But now it is assumed that hundreds of thousands to millions of ambrosia plants have spread throughout the city. This is a special species that does not die in winter and therefore is much harder to combat.

Main focus is the east of Berlin. Here, the Ambrosia has increased especially in the districts of Treptow-Köpenick and Lichtenberg. The biggest find was made by the environmental scouts at the freight yard Wuhlheide. There, the Ambrosia has already displaced the entire flora and fauna. Several hectares of Ambrosia plants were found there. Therefore reason the Berlin Senate is urged to act immediately and quickly. Because the Ambrosia is the strongest allergy plant that exists in the world. Allergy sufferers, who would otherwise rest in the pollen-free months before the allergy episodes, would have to suffer from the allergens of ambrosia. Because the plant will bloom just when the allergy session is over. If Berlin does not get the problem under control, it will cause a huge health problem for those affected.
The up to 1.50-meter-long ambrosia in people from the end of July massive symptoms such as a runny nose, shortness of breath, cough, asthma, eye swelling, headaches and other hay fever symptoms until the winter trigger. Since 2009 there is an action program in Berlin and „Ambrosia scouts“ look for ambrosia plants as potential sources of danger. They wear a mask and gloves. Ambrosia is not only dangerous for allergy patients, it can also trigger allergy. Citizens who have their own garden are encouraged to remove the Ambrosia from their garden. The remains of the plant must be disposed of in the normal household waste. Also one should protect oneself sufficiently with the removal of the plants. A touch with the bare hands can already trigger a violent rash. (Sb)

Also read:
Pollen allergy & hay fever
Attention: The Ambrosia pollens bloom
Warning about Ambrosia pollen
Ambrosia: World's strongest pollen allergen

Image: Oliver Haja