Thirty-Year Survey on Airborne Pollen Concentrations in Genoa, Italy: Relationship with Sensitizations, Meteorological Data, and Air Pollution

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. e232-e241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arsenio Corrado Negrini ◽  
Simone Negrini ◽  
Vania Giunta ◽  
Silvana Quaglini ◽  
Giorgio Ciprandi
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Pollen Species ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Pollen Release

Background Pollen allergy represents a relevant health issue. Betulaceae sensitization significantly increased in Genoa, Italy, in the last decades. This study investigated possible relationships among pollen count, meteorological changes, air pollution, and sensitizations in this city during a 30-year period. Methods Betulaceae, Urticaceae, Gramineae, and Oleaceae pollen counts were measured from 1981 to 2010 in Genoa. Sensitization to these pollens was also considered in large populations of allergic patients. Meteorological parameters and pollutants were also measured in the same area. Results Betulaceae sensitization increased over time. All pollen species significantly increased over this time. Pollen season advanced for Betulaceae and Urticaceae. Only Urticaceae season significantly increased. Temperature increased while rainfall decreased over the time. Pollutants significantly decreased. There were some relationships between pollen changes and climatic and air pollution parameters. Conclusion This 30-year study conducted in an urbanized area provided evidence that Betulaceae sensitization significantly increased, pollen load significantly augmented, and climate and air pollution changed with a possible influence on pollen release.

scholarly journals Comparison of Artemisia L. pollen concentrations and risk of development of allergy symptoms in different regions of Poland in 2020

Alergoprofil ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
Krystyna Piotrowska-Weryszko ◽  
Elżbieta Weryszko-Chmielewska ◽  
Aneta Sulborska ◽  
Agata Konarska ◽  
Agnieszka Lipiec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Season ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Volumetric Method ◽  
The Other ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Allergenic Potential ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Pollen Seasons ◽  
Artemisia Pollen

In central Europe, mugwort pollen is a frequent cause of pollen allergy. Poland is one of the countries with the highest airborne concentrations of pollen of this taxon. Due to its high allergenic potential, Artemisia pollen may pose a significant threat to sensitive subjects during summer months. Plants from this genus often grow in urban and suburban areas.             The aim of the study was to compare mugwort pollen seasons and concentrations of airborne pollen of these plants in 12 cities located in different regions of Poland: Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Cracow, Lublin, Olsztyn, Opole, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Sosnowiec, Szczecin, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Zielona Gora. The investigations were carried out with the volumetric method using a Hirst-type pollen sampler (Lanzoni or Burkard) operating on a 24-hour basis. The duration of the pollen season was determined with the 98% method. The earliest onset of the mugwort pollen season was noted in Opole (12.07), and the latest beginning was recorded in Cracow and Sosnowiec (23.07). The maximum pollen concentrations were reported on August 7 and 8 in Lublin (177 P/m3) and Wroclaw (100 P/m3). In all the cities, peak days were recorded on the first ten days of August. The maximum pollen concentrations in the other cities were in the range of 18-89 P/m3. The highest annual pollen sum was recorded in Lublin (1423) and Wroclaw (1050). These values coincided with the highest pollen concentrations determined in these cities. The annual Artemisia pollen sums in 2020 did not have the highest values in comparison with other years in these cities. The average annual pollen sum in the five-year period of 2001-2005 was estimated at 2065 in Lublin and 1662 in Wrocław. Therefore, it can be concluded that the risk of mugwort pollen allergy in the pollen season 2020 was lower than in some previous years.

scholarly journals The late flowering of invasive species contributes to the increase of Artemisia allergenic pollen in autumn: an analysis of 25 years of aerobiological data (1995–2019) in Trentino-Alto Adige (Northern Italy)

Aerobiologia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 669-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Cristofori ◽  
Edith Bucher ◽  
Michele Rossi ◽  
Fabiana Cristofolini ◽  
Veronika Kofler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Allergenic Pollen ◽  
Pollen Concentration ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Negative Impacts

AbstractArtemisia pollen is an important aeroallergen in late summer, especially in central and eastern Europe where distinct anemophilous Artemisia spp. produce high amounts of pollen grains. The study aims at: (i) analyzing the temporal pattern of and changes in the Artemisia spp. pollen season; (ii) identifying the Artemisia species responsible for the local airborne pollen load.Daily pollen concentration of Artemisia spp. was analyzed at two sites (BZ and SM) in Trentino-Alto Adige, North Italy, from 1995 to 2019.The analysis of airborne Artemisia pollen concentrations evidences the presence of a bimodal curve, with two peaks, in August and September, respectively. The magnitude of peak concentrations varies across the studied time span for both sites: the maximum concentration at the September peak increases significantly for both the BZ (p < 0.05) and SM (p < 0.001) site. The first peak in the pollen calendar is attributable to native Artemisia species, with A. vulgaris as the most abundant; the second peak is mostly represented by the invasive species A. annua and A. verlotiorum (in constant proportion along the years), which are causing a considerable increase in pollen concentration in the late pollen season in recent years.. The spread of these species can affect human health, increasing the length and severity of allergenic pollen exposure in autumn, as well as plant biodiversity in both natural and cultivated areas, with negative impacts on, e.g., Natura 2000 protected sites and crops.

scholarly journals Tree Pollen Spectra and Pollen Allergy Risk in the Osijek-Baranja County

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Sikora ◽  
Marina Valek ◽  
Zdenka Šušić ◽  
Vera Santo ◽  
Dario Brdarić
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Tree Pollen ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Measuring Site ◽  
Monitoring Stations

The forests of north-eastern Croatia, as well as various plants and trees in the parks and streets of the Osijek-Baranja County, produce large amounts of pollen during the pollen season, which can cause allergy symptoms in pollen sensitive individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent types of pollen in this area and estimate possible health risks, especially the risk of allergy. In 2009 and 2010, the staff of the Health Ecology Department of the Osijek Public Health Institute monitored tree pollen concentrations in four cities from the Osijek - Baranja County (Osijek, Našice, Đakovo and Beli Manastir) using a Burkard volumetric instrument. The results were affected by weather conditions. Windy and sunny days facilitated the transfer of pollen, whereas during rainy days, the concentration of pollen grains decreased. High pollen concentrations of Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae and Aceraceae could be the cause for symptoms of pollen allergy. In 2009, conifers, birch and poplar pollen were dominant at all monitoring stations with 5000 pollen grains (PG), 3188 PG and 3113 PG respectively. The highest number of pollen grains was recorded at measuring site Osijek. The variations in airborne pollen concentration between pollen seasons were recorded at all monitoring stations. The most obvious variations were recorded at measuring site Osijek. The usual pollination period lasts two to three months, which means that most pollen grains remain present from February to early June. However, the Cupressaceae / Taxaceae pollination periods last the longest and their pollen grains remain present until the end of summer. The risk of allergy was determined at four monitored measuring stations and the obtained data confirmed that the largest number of days with a high health risk was at the Đakovo measuring station for a species of birch. The research information aims to help allergologists and individuals allergic to plant pollen develop preventive measures and proper treatment therapies.

scholarly journals Ash pollen season in Poland in 2019

Alergoprofil ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Puc ◽  
Daniel Kotrych ◽  
Agnieszka Lipiec ◽  
Kazimiera Chłopek ◽  
Dariusz Jurkiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Season ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Pollen Allergen ◽  
Airborne Concentration ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
Pollen Seasons ◽  
Seasonal Pollen

Pollen grains are one of the most important groups of atmospheric biological particles that cause allergic processes. Meteorological factors affect the occurrence of pollen allergen release in the air. In order to shed light on this phenomenon this study compares the ash pollen seasons in Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Sosnowiec, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Opole, Olsztyn, Szczecin, Warsaw and Lublin in 2019. The investigations were carried out using the volumetric method (Hirst type pollen sampler). Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI) was estimated as the sum of daily average pollen concentrations in the given season. The ash pollination is mainly observed in April. Diagnosis of ash pollen allergy is made difficult due to an overlapping pollination period with Betulaceae and some cross-reactivity with allergens from Betulaceae. It is not clear whether ash pollen is a primary cause of sensitization or whether it is implicated through cross-sensitization to other pollens. In 2019 the pollen season of ash started first in Opole, on the March 9th. At the latest, a pollen season ended in Bialystok, after mid may. The differences of pollen seasons duration were very considerable, from 28 to 50 days. The highest airborne concentration of 190 pollen grains/m3 was noted in Lublin on the April 21st. The maximum values of seasonal pollen count in Polish cities occurred between April 4th and 22nd, most often between April 18th–22nd. The highest ash pollen allergen hazard occurred in 2019 in Lublin, Warsaw, Piotrkow Trybunalski and Bydgoszcz, and was at least three times higher than in other cities. The highest variability in the analysed seasons was found in the peak value and annual total.

scholarly journals 50 Years of Pollen Monitoring in Basel (Switzerland) Demonstrate the Influence of Climate Change on Airborne Pollen

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regula Gehrig ◽  
Bernard Clot
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Pollen Monitoring ◽  
Pollen Species ◽  
Poaceae Pollen ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Start Dates

Climate change and human impact on vegetation modify the timing and the intensity of the pollen season. The 50 years of pollen monitoring in Basel, Switzerland provide a unique opportunity to study long-term changes in pollen data. Since 1969, pollen monitoring has been carried out in Basel with a Hirst-type pollen trap. Pollen season parameters for start dates, end dates and duration were calculated with different pollen season definitions, which are commonly used in aerobiology. Intensity was analyzed by the annual pollen integral (APIn), peak value and the number of days above specific thresholds. Linear trends were calculated with the non-parametric Mann Kendall method with a Theil-Sen linear trend slope. During the last 50 years, linear increase of the monthly mean temperatures in Basel was 0.95–1.95°C in the 3 winter months, 2–3.7°C in spring months and 2.75–3.85°C in summer months. Due to this temperature increase, the start dates of the pollen season for most of the spring pollen species have advanced, from 7 days for Poaceae to 29 days for Taxus/Cupressaceae. End dates of the pollen season depend on the chosen pollen season definition. Negative trends predominate, i.e., the pollen season mostly ends earlier. Trends in the length of the pollen season depend even more on the season definitions and results are contradictory and often not significant. The intensity of the pollen season of almost all tree pollen taxa increased significantly, while the Poaceae pollen season did not change and the pollen season of herbs decreased, except for Urticaceae pollen. Climate change has a particular impact on the pollen season, but the definitions used for the pollen season parameters are crucial for the calculation of the trends. The most stable results were achieved with threshold definitions that indicate regular occurrence above certain concentrations. Percentage definitions are not recommended for trend studies when the annual pollen integral changed significantly.

scholarly journals El polen de Poaceae en la atmósfera de Lugo y su relación con los parámetros meteorológicos (1999-2001).

2002 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 49-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Javier Rodríguez-Rajo ◽  
M. Victoria Jato ◽  
M. Jesús Aira
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Season ◽  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Daily Maximum ◽  
Main Pollen Season ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Poaceae Pollen ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
Maximum Temperatures ◽  
The City

RESUMEN. El polen de Poaceae en la atmósfera de Lugo y su relación con los parámetros meteorológicos (1999-2001). Se han estudiado las concentraciones de polen de Poaceae presente en la atmósfera de la ciudad de Lugo durante 3 años (1999-2001). Para ello se ha utilizado un captador volumétrico tipo Hirst, modelo Lanzoni VPPS-2000. El polen de Poaceae es el más abundante y su porcentaje frente al total de polen anual es de un 38-40%. La cantidad total de polen anual es de 8.400 granos como resultado de la media de los tres años de estudio, con un período de polinización durante los meses de Junio y Julio. A lo largo del día los máximos de concentración tienen lugar durante la tarde. Se ha realizado un análisis de correlación con los principales parámetros meteorológicos, siendo la temperatura máxima la variable que presentó el coeficiente más elevado. La suma acumulada de la temperatura máxima y la regresión múltiple integrando la temperatura máxima y las concentraciones de polen del día anterior como estimadores, resultaron métodos válidos y complementarios para realizar la predicción del inicio del periodo de polinización y de las concentraciones medias diarias que se alcanzan durante el periodo de polinización principal respectivamente.Palabras clave. Polen, Lugo, Meteorología, Predicción, lntradiario, Poaceae.ABSTRACT. The Poaceae pollen in the atmosphere of Lugo and its relationship with meteorological parameters ( 1999-2001). The pollen concentrations of Poaceae in the atmosphere of the city of Lugo has been studied during 3 years (1999-2001). A volumetric sampler type Hirst, model Lanzoni VPPS-2000 has been used. The Poaceae pollen is the most abundant and its percentage with respect to the total annual pollen ranged from 38-40 %. The annual total quantity of pollen of Poaceae were 8.400 grains as average of the three years studied, with a period of pollination during the months of June and July. The daily maximum concentrations take place during the evening. An analysis of correlation has been carried out between pollen concentrations and the main meteorological parameters, the maximum temperature being the variable that presented the highest coefficient value. The sum of maximum temperatures and the multiple regression integrating maximum temperature and pollen concentrations of the previous day as predictors, were successful and complementary methods in order to predict the beginning of the pollination period and the daily mean concentrations reached during the main pollen season respectively.Key words. Pollen, Lugo, Meteorology, Prediction, Intradiurnal, Poaceae.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Metrological Parameters and Total Airborne Pollen Concentration in Atmosphere of Khartoum City During 2018

2021 ◽  
pp. 93-109
Author(s):  
Ejlal Sanad Mohammed Motwaly ◽  
A.G. Elfadil ◽  
Ahmed Mudawi Musa
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Pollen Concentration ◽  
Spore Trap ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Metrological Parameters ◽  
Airborne Pollen Concentration

This study is aimed to find out the effect and relationship between metrological parameters and total airborne pollen concentration in atmosphere in Khartoum city (Sudan). For that purpose, one-year data during 2018 of Total Airborne Pollen Concentration (TAPC) and meteorological parameters is utilized. Pollen concentration in the atmosphere was measured using Non-volumetric air sampler (Vertical cylinder spore trap). The descriptive statistic of TAPC and metrological parameters were presented. The result showed TAPC in 2018 reached to their maximum in August (37.5/m³), and the minimum in June (14/ m³). Analysis of the relationship between TAPC and meteorological parameters showed that variations in the pollen concentrations were mainly affected by maximum temperature. In addition, there were substantial differences in these relationships in different seasons. In Autumn, they were affected by the rain falls, maximum temperature and relative humidity; in summer, they were affected by maximum temperature; and in winter, they were affected by maximum temperature and relative humidity. Temperature, rain falls and relative humidity promote plant growth and blooming. As well as the results show wind direction was significant on seasonally TAPC especially in Autumn. The results found significant effects between the meteorological on TAPC, were it is showed 72 % are affecting on TAPC refer to meteorological parameters and 28 % refer to another factors.

Timely information on birch and grass pollen levels in Belgium

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem W. Verstraeten ◽  
Nicolas Bruffaerts ◽  
Rostislav Kouznetsov ◽  
Marijke Hendrickx ◽  
Mikhail Sofiev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Seasonal Variability ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Birch Pollen ◽  
Pollen Emission ◽  
Birch Tree ◽  
Vegetation Activity ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Pollen Release

&lt;p&gt;Air pollution has tremendous effects on mortality and the quality of life. Air pollution is not restricted to anthropogenic contaminants only, since also natural sources (soils, lakes, marshes, vegetation, volcanoes, etc) may emit substantial amounts of unhealthy pollutants (VOCs, SO&lt;sub&gt;X&lt;/sub&gt;, NO&lt;sub&gt;X&lt;/sub&gt;, aerosols, etc). Releases of biogenic aerosols such as pollen affect the public health badly, putting additional distress on people already suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In Belgium, ~10% of the people is estimated to suffer from allergies due to pollen released by the birch family trees and ~15% due to pollen emitted by grasses. In some European countries the prevalence is up to 40%.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To date, the only available airborne pollen level data in Belgium are retrieved by Sciensano at five stations that monitor off-line daily concentrations of grass and birch pollen among other species. Patients suffering from rhinitis have therefore no access to detailed real-time spatial information and warnings on forthcoming exposures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chemistry Transport Models (CTM) can both quantify as well as forecast the spatial and temporal distribution of airborne birch and grass pollen concentrations if accurate and updated maps of birch and grass pollen emission sources are available, and if the large inter-seasonal variability in emissions is considered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here we show the results of the modelled spatio-temporal distributions of grass and birch pollen over Brussels and other locations in Belgium using the CTM SILAM. This CTM is driven by ERA5 meteorological reanalysis data from ECMWF, an updated MACC-III birch tree fraction map, based on local information, and a grass pollen emission map showing the spatial distribution of the potential pollen sources. Pollen release is based on the temperature degree days approach. Inter-seasonal variability in birch pollen release was taken into account by using spaceborne MODIS vegetation activity (Gross Primary Productivity, GPP). For grass pollen this approach does not fit, therefore we use average temperature and precipitation of the previous year in a first approach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;SILAM modelled and observed time series of daily birch pollen levels of 50 birch pollen seasons at multiple sites in Belgium correlate well for the period 2008-2018 with an increased R&amp;#178; of up to ~50% compared to the reference run. What is more, SILAM is able to capture the allergy thresholds of 50 and 80 pollen grains m&lt;sup&gt;-&lt;/sup&gt;&amp;#179; exposure from the observations for birch trees. Grass pollen simulations are in progress.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals General characteristics of airborne pollen in Montevideo city, Uruguay.

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-253
Author(s):  
Leticia Tejera ◽  
Ángeles Beri ◽  
Ximena Martínez Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Ricinus Communis ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Air Humidity ◽  
Relative Air Humidity ◽  
Main Pollen Season ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Pollen Sources

: This paper analyses daily and seasonal variations on pollen concentrations and the influence of meteorological conditions on the airborne pollen from June 2011 to May 2014. Data is also compared with results from a previous pollen survey from 2000-2001. Ninety-three taxa were identified, belonging to 49 trees and shrub taxa and 44 herbaceous taxa. The most important pollen sources were Poaceae, Platanus, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Eupatorieae type, Celtis, Urticaceae, Myrtaceae, Casuarina, Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae, Fraxinus, Arecaceae, Ricinus communis, Moraceae, Myrsine, Ambrosia, Quercus, and Pinaceae. Pollen was recorded all year round but the main pollen season was from August to April. Inter-annual differences were observed on pollen indexes, dates and values of daily peak concentrations and monthly accumulated concentrations. Temperature, relative air humidity and wind speed and direction seem to be the most influential meteorological variables on pollen concentrations. The number of days that pollen concentrations are above moderate and high thresholds levels is estimated and woody and non-woody pollen concentrations would be above moderate levels on average 182 days per year.

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