Thunderstorms Can Turn Pollen Dangerous

Thunderstorms can trigger sudden asthma attacks, a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma. Although scientists do not fully understand the mechanism, the leading theory holds that pollen absorbs moisture, bursts into microscopic fragments, and spreads on storm winds. These pieces slip past nose hairs and enter the lungs, sometimes affecting people who have never experienced an asthma attack before. In November 2016, the worst recorded outbreak overwhelmed Melbourne's ambulance system, increased emergency asthma cases tenfold, and killed ten people.

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