SHENZHEN’S urban administration said that it wouldn’t plant ceiba or silk cotton trees along streets or in neighborhoods following complaints that the irritating woolly seeds flying in the air this season could cause allergies to people with respiratory diseases.

The woolly seeds produced by the seed pods could also trigger symptoms, such as rash, measles and red eyes. Doctors advise residents with allergies to wear masks to prevent reactions, coughing and asthma that could be caused by woolly seeds.

The urban administration said that woolly seeds are hard to collect and reuse. (Han Ximin)