Overview
- Following Thursday's windy Sant Jordi celebrations, a visible cloud of plant material swept central Barcelona and irritated many people's eyes and throats.
- XAC's Jordina Belmonte said most of the airborne material was last year's plane-tree fruits and their one-centimeter hairs, which cause mechanical irritation rather than an allergic reaction.
- Allergists at SEAIC report very high plane-tree pollen levels in Catalonia this week and urge people with allergies to use their medication, wear masks or glasses, and skip outdoor exercise in high-pollen areas.
- Pharmacists in the city center described a rush for masks, antihistamines, eye drops, and throat lozenges, and IQVIA data show antihistamine sales in March rose 41% from February in Catalonia.
- In response, Junts per Barcelona asked the Collboni administration for a six-month action plan to improve pollen alerts, share clear guidance, add health criteria to tree management, and study temporary steps at schools and clinics.