It's that time of year again when we all dread the onset of seasonal allergies. However, did you know that climate change is making allergy seasons even worse? Rising temperatures, increased carbon dioxide concentrations, and extreme weather conditions contribute to the production of more potent allergens. Allergies not only affect individuals but also have an impact on businesses. Rising healthcare costs, decreased worker productivity, and employee absences are among the ways in which allergies affect the bottom line. There is no doubt that climate change is influencing allergies, necessitating better preparation for its impact by businesses.

Economic Impact of Allergies on Businesses

Climate change has far-reaching consequences for the environment, health, and the economy. One noticeable impact during this time of year is how climate change exacerbates allergy seasons. Longer allergy seasons and increased pollen production, resulting from rising temperatures, worsen allergy symptoms for millions of people. Climate change has also amplified the growth of allergenic plants like ragweed, triggering allergies in susceptible individuals. Moreover, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts can further aggravate allergy symptoms by dispersing pollen and mold spores and increasing air pollutant concentrations.

As allergy symptoms worsen, businesses experience a range of economic impacts, including increased healthcare costs for employees, reduced worker productivity, and higher rates of absenteeism. Allergies impose a significant financial burden on businesses, with estimates suggesting that they cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars annually.

In the face of climate change, it is increasingly essential for businesses to take proactive steps to mitigate the negative impacts of allergies on their employees and the economy. Investing in a healthy workplace, educating employees about the effects of allergies, collaborating with environmental groups, and adapting business practices to accommodate the changing climate are just a few key steps businesses can take to address this issue.

How AccuWeather For Business Can Help

Get the air quality forecasts only AccuWeather For Business can provide. AccuWeather and Plume Labs combine their forecasting and air pollution expertise to provide superior air pollution forecasts, warnings, and insights. AccuWeather will monitor your specific asset locations 24/7, 365 days a year, sending site-specific proactive notifications of unsafe air quality conditions.

The notifications—delivered through the SkyGuard® Warning System and within the AccuWeather For Business Portal and Mobile App—will alert your team further to mitigate air quality risk at the impacted location.

If your business employs outdoor workers or is in an industry that requires air quality alerts to determine operations, contact AccuWeather today to get AccuWeather For Business's Air Quality Alerts to better prepare your business for all severe air quality threats.

AccuWeather's 2026-2027 Winter Forecast: Snowfall, El Niño and Regional Predictions