Why we monitor pollen

Hay fever affects over 19% of the Australian population, including 15% of Queenslanders, with grass pollen being the major contributor to airborne allergen sources in the outdoor atmosphere of Australian cities including Brisbane. Hay fever and seasonal asthma can cause mild to severe respiratory distress in people sensitized to grass pollen. If forewarned, people with pollen allergy can take preventative measures in danger periods such as staying indoors, avoiding high pollen areas and/or by taking appropriate medication with them when venturing outside.

For more information about hay fever and asthma in Australia and how to manage their symptoms please see:

• The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology (ASCIA) for information on hayfever

• Asthma Australia for information on how hay fever affects asthma