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Updated: 18/07/2010
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has begun to publish an allergenic plant forecast, based on data provided by Tel Aviv University. The forecast is based on the phenological status of plants in the Botanical Gardens of Tel Aviv University in the Tel Aviv area and plans call for its expansion to Jerusalem in the future. The allergen monitoring system will complement the ministry's existing air quality monitoring system, as is the case in developed countries. The monitoring system for allergens was initiated and implemented as a service to the public by the late Prof. Yoav Waisel, a leading investigator and teacher in the field. Allergy specialists estimate that some 15% of Israel's population, more than 700,000 people, suffer from allergic reactions, although numbers differ among different population groups in different regions. Information on allergenic plants, their blooming periods and allergen quantities in the air is especially important. Avoiding exposure to allergens can prevent the problem in some cases and reduce suffering in other cases. This is especially important when it comes to the health of young children and health of immigrants who come to Israel from other climatic zones. In addition, allergies have economic impacts in terms of loss of work days, excessive use of medications, hospitalization, absence from school, etc.
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