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Dangers of hay fever, and of cure
Page 26
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I Truck drivers who suffer hay feverInspired sneezing fits, streaming eyes and runny noses when driving are a potential danger to themselves and other road users. However, certain antihistamine remedies could do more harm than good, warns the Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association (RIAARA).
"Some of the older types of antihistamine cause sleepiness, and there is clear evidence that that may lead to road accidents," says the association. "The newer antihistamines work just as well and, at least in normal doses, have no measurable harmful effects on driving. They cost more, but are still reasonably priced." Newer antihistamines available from chemists can be identified by trade names including Clarityn, Semprex and Zirtec, MAARA adds. If in doubt whether the tablets are old or new-style, then check with a pharmacist or a doctor.
The need for drivers to take some sort of remedy if they suffer from hay fever Is highlighted by Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the National Pollen Research Unit.
"When you sneeze, the ayes close for at least a second—often more while you recover," she says.
"At 30mph you would travel 27m, at 60mph you would travel 54m, and at 70mph up to 63ni could be covered while you are effectively blind."
Motorways pose a particularly high risk because they become corridors of highly concentrated pollen during the hayfever season, which lasted well Mite August last year. That's partly because of the large areas of flowering grasses on uncut verges, and partly because the movement of traffic constantly stirs up pollen grains.
Many trucks are now fitted with cabin air filters that remove pollen and other contaminants. Component supplier Motaquip suggests that they are changed regularly—something that can often be neglected during routine servicing.