Geelong has a new pollen counter to help improve thunderstorm asthma forecasts and reduce pressure on emergency services.
The automated pollen counter will replace manual traps with advanced imaging to deliver faster and more accurate data for grass pollen forecasting and health alerts.
Barwon Health acting director of emergency services Doctor Hayden Richards said the pollen counter would alert people when they should avoid exposure outdoors to reduce demand on emergency services.
“A local pollen counter here in Geelong will help with forecasting; however, it is still important to be prepared,” he said.
“People with a history of asthma are most at risk of thunderstorm asthma, so ensuring your asthma action plan is updated is important.
“If you have asthma or hay fever, you can reduce your risk by avoiding being outdoors during thunderstorms, particularly the wind gusts that come before them.”
Geelong’s pollen counter is one of six counters that will help provide a three-day forecast for the state’s nine weather districts and indicate days of low, moderate or high asthma risk.
Thunderstorm asthma can occur anytime between now and 31 December, which is due to certain thunderstorms causing grass pollen grains to burst into tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the new pollen counters were part of a joint investment with the state and federal governments through the Disaster Ready Fund.
“We want everyone to stay safe this pollen season, and with these high-tech upgrades, more Victorians can now stay informed and put their asthma action plans in place on high-risk days,” she said.
Visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au for more information on thunderstorm asthma and first-aid.
