Evidence for recent climate change and carbon dioxide influence on plant based aero-allergens in the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent and projected assessments of climate change and carbon dioxide may influence plant based aero-allergen characteristics related to pollen load and pollen seasonality METHODS: Characterization and quantification of allergenic plant species related to growth, phenology and allergenicity in the context of rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide. Methodologies include chamber and open-air assessments of pollen collection, ELISA and historical records. RESULTS:Integration of historical and experimental results from controlled chambers to open-air facilities indicate recent (since the 1970s) and projected changes (to 2100) in climate and CO2, are increasing allergen seasonality and pollen amounts. In addition there is evidence indicating that carbon dioxide per se may increase exine allergen concentration. CONCLUSIONS:These data overall, show a net influence of recent and projected increases in carbon dioxide and global surface temperatures on temporal aspects of aero-allergen exposure, including pollen load, and potential changes in allergenicity. Such changes have significant health consequences for those in the general population who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma. KEYWORDS: aeroallergens, climate change, carbon dioxide, pollen