Abstract
The parameters of the birch pollen seasons in Cracow in 1991-2008 were analysed in relation to some meteorological elements and synoptic situations (circulation types, air masses and atmospheric fronts). Two types of the pollen seasons were distinguished - highly dense and less dense. The first type of the season started on the 15<sup>th</sup> of April (on average), lasted 11-20 days and the maximum daily concentration exceeded 500 pgm<sup>-3</sup>. The less dense type started generally earlier (the first decade of April), lasted more than 20 days and the peak days were unstable. In this type of the pollen season, two peak days were often observed. The relationship between the type of the season and the meteorological conditions before the season was pointed out. Additionally, the influence of circulation types, types of air masses and atmospheric fronts over south-eastern Poland on a given day on the number of days with a daily concentration > 80 pgm<sup>-3</sup> was analysed. The relationship between the pollen season type and meteorological conditions before the season was found, among others, the influence of types of synoptic situations and air masses on the number of days with a concentration of over 80 pgm<sup>-3</sup> was established.
Highlights
Blooming, pollen release and development of birch leaves occur almost simultaneously, usually in April
In Poland about 50% of patients with pollen allergy is sensitive to birch pollen, but about 1015% of this group is monosensitive to these allergens (Małolepszy et al 2000)
The results of pollen monitoring in Cracow showed that the birch pollen had the highest percentage among tree pollen (Myszkowska et al 2007)
Summary
Pollen release and development of birch leaves occur almost simultaneously, usually in April. Birch pollen allergens cause inhalant allergy in the North and Central Europe, including Poland (D ’ Amato et al 2007). In Poland about 50% of patients with pollen allergy is sensitive to birch pollen, but about 1015% of this group is monosensitive to these allergens (Małolepszy et al 2000). The results of pollen monitoring in Cracow showed that the birch pollen had the highest percentage among tree pollen (Myszkowska et al 2007). There is a significant relationship between Betula pollen season severity and weather conditions (daily average temperature and rainfall), both in the year before pollination and in the same year that pollen is released from the plant. The Betula pollen seasons in Cracow do not appear to be influenced by the NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), which is probably the result of Cracow having a more continental climate (Stach et al 2008)
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