Motorists who suffer from hay fever should brace themselves for record pollen levels this summer.
According to a report in the Independent, forecasters predict that the cool spring temperatures have meant the grass growing season has been delayed but as the soil warms up, more pollen will be released.
It means hay fever sufferers should prepare for lots of coughing and sneezing, something which could affect them while driving and put their
motor insurance policy under threat.
Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the National Pollen and Aerobiology Unit at the University of Worcester, told the newspaper that the summer looks bleak for those with a pollen allergy.
"Increased sunlight and dry, hot summers will make photochemical smogs more frequent and intense, so there'll be more pollution and hay fever will be exacerbated," she added.
More than 12 million people in Britain suffer from hay fever, although professor Emberlin believes that figure is likely to more than double in the next two decades.
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