Climate change bad news for allergy sufferers

Allergy sufferers could be infor a prolonged period of suffering as climate change extends the season for itchy eyes and sneezing.

Health officials in Montreal saythe growing period for ragweed —a chief cause ofhayfever— is getting longer as a result ofwarm weather arriving earlier and lasting longerthan normal.

Norman King, an epidemiologist with the Montreal Health Department, says ragweed's summertime reign used to last 40 days. It's now about 60.

"It [the allergy season] appears to be getting worse in terms of the length of the growing season," said King.

The Health Department estimatesthat 10 per cent of Quebec's population suffers from allergies caused by ragweed. The symptoms range fromitchy, red eyes anda scratchy throat, to sneezing and breathing difficulties.

Many turn to antihistamines for relief, but the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxborois opting for a more hands-on approach.

Officialsorganized a ragweed pullingevent Monday in one of the community's most popular outdoor parks, Riverdale Parc. As an incentive, those willing to volunteertheir time to pull weedswere eligible to win a prize.

"The people that would be coming in with ragweed in the bag, we'll ask them to register their name and then after that we'll raffle some door prizes," said Bert Ward, a city councillor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro.

The boroughs that make up Montreal are responsible for controlling ragweed on public property, but private property owners are also expected to do their bit and run the risk of being fined if they don't.

"We could send a warning ticket, then after that we send court papers and say, 'OK, fine now you have to pay a fine,'" Ward said.

The councillorsaid Pierrefonds-Roxboro will soon toughen its bylaw to crack down on the prolific ragweed problem.

Health officials say one ragweed plant can produce more than3,000 seeds. Those seeds have the potential to create as many as 600 plants the next year.

Officials say pulling the plant out by its roots and burning it is the best way to control the problem.