Managing trees to save lungs |
In Islamabad, the arrival of spring every year brings with it a cloud of discomfort for thousands, a relentless pollen season that transforms what should be a pleasant bloom into a major public health crisis.
The culprit is often the paper mulberry tree, whose pollen is a high-allergenic agent, overwhelming hospitals and allergy centers with cases of respiratory distress, itchy eyes, and severe allergic reactions. When authorities recently began removing these trees, a wave of concern swept through the community, framed by many as deforestation. But let’s reframe that narrative sharply: this is not deforestation; this is targeted health risk management. We are witnessing a calculated health intervention designed to swap out high pollen-producing trees for low-allergy alternatives, a move that directly addresses a chronic medical emergency.
Consider the numbers that tell a compelling story. Allergy centers have reported a consistent downward trend in pollen........