AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Studies have shown that rising carbon dioxide levels and warming temperatures promote greater growth and pollen production in plants.

University of Massachusetts Amherst aerobiologist Christine Rogers studied the effect of increasing carbon dioxide levels on the fungus Alternaria. The Fungus feds on plant matter also exposed to high concentrations of the gas.

Rogers discovered that the fungus produced approximately three times the number of spores in the environment.

“Because of the vast increase in number of spores, we anticipate that people will be exposed to much higher allergen levels from fungi as well,” Rogers explained via phone to 22News on Wednesday.

When asked how many people are affected by fungus like Alternaria, Rogers responded, “This particular fungus has been linked to severe asthma attacks. Many of the people who have fungal allergies are allergic to Alternaria. It is one of the bigger allergies.”

Carbon dioxide levels have been rising in earth’s atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution in the 1800’s. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and a by produce of fossil fuel combustion.