First annual register of allergenic pollen in Talca, Chile

Abstract

Background: There are no data on atmospheric pollen in Talca. In the present work, our aim isto describe the amount of pollen grain in the atmosphere of the city of Talca likely to causepollinosis of its inhabitants.Methods: A volumetric Hirst sampler (Burkard seven-day recording device) was used to studypollen levels. It was placed in the centre of Talca from May 2007 to April 2008.Results: The highest airborne presence of pollen, as measured in weekly averages, was Platanusacerifolia with a maximum weekly daily average of 203 grains/m3registered during Septemberand October. The second highest was Acer pseudoplatanus with a maximum weekly daily aver-age of 116 grains/m3. Populus spp. had a maximum weekly daily average 103 grains/m3. Oleaeuropaea reached 19 grains/m3in November. Grasses presented high levels of pollen countswith a maximum weekly daily average of 27 grains/m3from the end of August until the endof January. Pollens of Plantago spp. Rumex acetosella and Chenopodium spp. had a similardistribution and were present from October to April with maximum weekly daily average of7 grains/m3, 7 grains/m3and 3 grains/m3respectively. Significant concentrations of Ambrosiaartemisiifolia were detected from February until April.Conclusion: The population of Talca was exposed to high concentrations of allergenic pollen,such as P. acerifolia, A. pseudoplatanus, and grasses in the months of August through November.The detection of O. europaea and A. artemisiifolia is important as these are emergent pollens inthe city of Talca. Aerobiological monitoring will provide the community with reliable informationabout the level of allergenic pollens, improving treatment and quality of life of patients withrespiratory allergy.