Wait at least 2 more days. I pluck off the seed when the first pair of leaves are trying to push the seed off. You can tell when they need help. They'll be struggling to remove it.
If it's dying or even dead it's not doing it's job (gathering sunlight). It would just be getting in the way of lower leaves doing there jobs. So I'd pluck 'em if they are 50% damaged. I'd also fix what ever is wrong w/ the plant as a whole.
O ya dude. I'm pretty sure you pulled them as soon as you saw the balls, correct? If that was the case there was nooooo way you'd have a problem to begin w/ :) Hope you feel better :) Peace
It's a "helmet head" lol. Well in my case if they can't remove that little seed shell on there own in a few days I help them out. They kind of deform if it stays on too long. It will be just fine anyways :)
Also if there is a high volume of traffic while the pollen is released. I could see it traveling on ppl, and in the air if there is enough air circulation.