Atmospheric pollen grains and spores in relation to allergy. II

Influence of Aerobiology and Weather on Symptoms in Children with Asthma

“…Girsh et al [8] and Hobday and Stewart [11] have shown that periods of high barometric pressure are as sociated with increased asthmatic com plaints and are thus probably not biological ly advantageous situations for asthmatic pa tients. Sunny days have been found to be linked to high pollen counts [12]. In con trast, beneficial phases are found during un steady changeable north-westerly weather where zonal circulation with lively high-alti tude currents occur.…”

“…As there is great variability of the cir cadian rhythm of pollen concentrations [12], a cumulative 24-hour rhythm of at tacks graded according to severity over a period of 6 weeks and its correlation with pollen counts of Castanea and Poaceae are given in figure 1. A very satisfactory corre- lation of sweet chestnut pollen count and the attack scoring was found (p < 0.01).…”

“…Also there is direct pollen contact during the day which may lead to immediate reactions. It is known that closed windows of indoor sleep ing accommodations during the night form a barrier between pollen inflow and reaction [12]. It must also be considered that obser vation of the asthmatic patients during the night may not be as close so that reactions may be registered with a certain delay.…”

Exposure to Microorganisms and Aeroallergens among Greenhouse Workers Worldwide and Associated Respiratory Diseases

“…46 A recent study, in fact, showed that workers with rhinitis at baseline were more expected to leave their job in bell pepper cultivation for another job (OR=1.62, 95% CI 0.95-2.75) and bell pepper greenhouse workers with workrelated nasal symptoms experience a substantial improvement in rhinitis-related quality of life after leaving the work environment. 47,48 All these observations call for further investigation of the possible potential role of exposures to pollen grains (especially the pollen from ornamental flowering plants whose allergenic sensitivity is still unknown) and other aeroallergens (including mold spores and some bacteria) in greenhouses in relation to workers performance.…”

“…Fungal spores can be easily liberated in damp areas of greenhouses and render these workplaces potentially unhealthy for allergic individuals. 29 Release of a huge load of pollen grains from flowering plants in enclosed greenhouse spaces can create risks of allergic rhinitis and occupational asthma for workers.…”