Guy Robinson, a visiting scholar at Fordham University who specializes in measuring airborne pollen, reported that pollen counts in 2026 have been unusually low despite seasonal expectations. Robinson monitors pollen levels by using a collection device that continuously draws in ambient air, depositing particles onto a sticky tape for microscopic analysis. His work involves identifying microscopic pollen grains from various plants, an effort that has become increasingly important for allergy sufferers.
During recent weeks, Robinson observed relatively low pollen concentrations in the New York City area. On a typical sample from late June, he counted just 13 pollen grains per cubic liter of air. While April saw some elevated pollen days, the usual peak in early May was notably subdued. Robinson suggested that several late frosts might have damaged flowering plants, contributing to the lower pollen numbers.
Robinson is well-versed in identifying dozens of pollen types, including pine, grass, and broadleaf plantain, a common lawn weed. The grains vary in shape and size, requiring close attention under the microscope to distinguish them accurately. Alongside pollen, other particulates such as tire rubber are also collected, though Robinson’s focus remains strictly on pollen counts.
Recent research has suggested a link between urban light pollution and extended pollen seasons, proposing that artificial lighting can cause plants to produce pollen earlier and later than in less illuminated areas. Robinson acknowledged this theory, noting that while his research has concentrated more on heat effects—such as those caused by the urban heat island phenomenon—the role of light pollution in prolonging pollen production is plausible. Plants rely on internal biological clocks regulated by changing night lengths to time their flowering and pollen release. If artificial lighting disrupts these natural cues, plants may continue releasing pollen beyond their usual schedules, potentially extending allergy seasons into the fall and winter months.
As cities continue to grow and urban environments become more illuminated, understanding the combined impact of heat and light pollution on pollen production could be critical for managing public health concerns related to allergies. Robinson’s ongoing monitoring will provide valuable data to track how these environmental changes influence pollen trends year to year.