Allergenic Pollen Calendar in Korea Based on Probability Distribution Models and Up-to-Date Observations

Abstract

The pollen calendar is the simplest forecasting method for pollen concentrations. As pollen concentrations are liable to seasonal variations due to alterations in climate and land-use, it is necessary to update the pollen calendar using recent data. To attenuate the impact of considerable temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations on the pollen calendar, it is essential to employ a new methodology for its creation. Methods: A pollen calendar was produced in Korea using data from recent observations, and a new method for creating the calendar was proposed, considering both risk levels and temporal resolution of pollen concentrations. A probability distribution was used for smoothing concentrations and determining risk levels. Airborne pollen grains were collected between 2007 and 2017 at 8 stations; 13 allergenic pollens, including those of alder, Japanese cedar, birch, hazelnut, oak, elm, pine, ginkgo, chestnut, grasses, ragweed, mugwort and Japanese hop, were identified from the collected grains. Results: The concentrations of each pollen depend on locations and seasons due to large variability in species distribution and their environmental condition. In the descending order of concentration, pine, oak and Japanese hop pollens were found to be the most common in Korea. The pollen concentrations were high in spring and autumn, and those of oak and Japanese hop were probably the most common cause of allergy symptoms in spring and autumn, respectively. High Japanese cedar pollen counts were observed in Jeju, while moderate concentrations were in Jeonju, Gwangju and Busan. Conclusions: A new methodology for the creation of a pollen calendar was developed to attenuate the impact of large temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations. This revised calendar should be available to the public and allergic patients to prevent aggravation of pollen allergy.

Revised Pollen Calendar in Korea

“…In this issue of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, Shin et al 7 presents a current pollen calendar in South Korea based on pollen counts from 2007 to 2017. It should be noted that this group published the pollen calendar collected from 1997 to 2009.…”

“…Finally, the plant producing the pollen must be abundantly distributed. Species of trees that meet these criteria are limited in each country, and thus a pollen calendar should focus on tree species that meet Thommen's postulates.In this issue of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, Shin et al 7 presents a current pollen calendar in South Korea based on pollen counts from 2007 to 2017. It should be noted that this group published the pollen calendar collected from 1997 to 2009.…”

“…In conclusion, Shin et al 7 study describes the pollens responsible for allergic reactions in Korea in detail, allowing better interpretations of skin prick test and specific immunoglobulin E results (considering actual levels of pollen exposure) and reasonable applications of allergen immunotherapy in affected individuals. Furthermore, this study describes the effects of climate and ecological changes on the significant differences in pollen counts, with or without human interference, in Korea.…”

Mapping abundance distributions of allergenic tree species in urbanized landscapes: A nation-wide study for Belgium using forest inventory and citizen science data

“…In addition, assessment of the spatial distribution of pollen sources is an important prerequisite for the application of pollen dispersion models (Jose María Maya-Manzano et al, 2021;Shin et al, 2020).…”

Environmental and dietary factors to be checked for treatment of atopic dermatitis in rural children

“…To the Editor, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, and treatment guidelines for AD emphasize identifying and avoiding exacerbating factors and practicing proper skincare 1) . Gangwon is a representative rural region of South Korea and has a pollen distribution pattern different from those of other regions 2) . Therefore, different patterns of immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization to food and aeroallergens may be observed owing to cross-antigenicity 3) .…”