How Japan's post-WWII reforestation project created a nationwide hay fever crisis
By
ranit
A second-rack bagel that's nearly first-rack. Tasty stuff.
Summary
Japan is experiencing a severe nationwide hay fever crisis caused by massive Japanese cedar and cypress plantations established during a post-WWII reforestation project in the 1950s. The government encouraged planting these fast-growing trees for timber reconstruction, but they now release enormous amounts of pollen each spring, affecting millions. The article explores the historical roots of the problem and modern efforts to develop treatments, including new medicines and anti-allergy rice.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA decision made 70 years ago to reforest vast swathes of Japan with just two kinds of tree has come back to haunt the country.
Each spring in Japan, reams of pollen waft off Japanese cedar and cypress plantations, often floating towards cities where it causes hay fever.
Japanese people spend huge amounts on anti-allergy products, and the country is developing new medicines from long-lasting treatments to anti-allergy rice.
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