In this academic thesis the impact and extent of effect of invasive alien plant species, specifically their pollen byproduct, on human health is examined. As research on the presence and subsequent...Show moreIn this academic thesis the impact and extent of effect of invasive alien plant species, specifically their pollen byproduct, on human health is examined. As research on the presence and subsequent influence of such plants’ pollen on a native ecosystem and the humans therein is widely understudied, this study aims to substantiate the repercussions of the ever-growing pollen count of these plants on human health. The goal is to null or verify the assertions that these species spread with little difficulty, exponentially increase the overall pollen count, and contribute pollen variants of harsher impact on human health. The research conducted does a case study of the Netherlands, and specifically The Hague, using two plant species (common ragweed and mugwort) - widely considered invasive in other ecosystems - that remain scientifically overlooked though recorded. Making use of related and comparative data pooled in desk research, a pollen index was constructed to narrowly approximate the pollen count and allergenicity of common ragweed and mugwort. Medical studies test-prove that these invasive plant species have highly allergenic pollen which in turn cause hay fever symptoms. Additionally, the yearly pollen index spanning from 2012 to 2020 showcases an intensification of the allergenicity of the air due to these species, and the weekly pollen index spanning from 2012 to 2015 illustrates clear prolongation of the flowering (i.e. allergy) season through the years. This research paper has quantified the overlooked looming urban, scientific, environmental and medical risk of such invasive plant species’ pollen. Observations of similarly burdened ecosystems has shown elaborated solutions, the like of introducing insects that eradicate these species’ pollen and its spread. The efficacy of these solutions has yet to be weighed including potentially pending consequences (disservices) linked to introducing the alien animal species in the ecosystem.Show less
