Abstract
Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done for about ten years in the west region only. Materials and Methods: We established the first pollen monitoring center in the capital of Bucharest in 2013, based on collaboration with the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA) from France. The aim of our paper is to present results from five years of pollen monitoring in the city center of Bucharest and preliminary data on distribution and health impact of some allergenic plants, mainly Ambrosia artemisiifolia, which is considered a real danger for the public health. Results: Our data show a significant atmospheric amount and a longer season than previously considered of grass (Gramineae) pollen and short period with a high level of Ambrosia pollen, while tree pollen looks less important in this area. The plant distribution data provided by specialists and information from affected persons showed the wide and increasing spread of Ambrosia in Bucharest and other cities from the south region. Preliminary health data from allergists confirmed that the number of patients with allergies to Ambrosia pollen is increasing from one year to another and almost all patients describe a high urban exposure from their living or working place. Conclusions: We consider that the recently implemented Law 62/2018 against Ambrosia may help reduce weed distribution and the atmospheric pollen load, but a more complex and coordinated strategy for controlling urban vegetation and reducing biologic pollution is needed.
Highlights
Allergic diseases, including asthma, are considered a prominent cause of disability and mortality in the world, with major social and economic consequences [1]
The pollen monitoring season started in March, except the year 2018, when it started later, due to a longer winter in Romania and consistent amount of snow until end of March in Bucharest, leading to a delayed flowering period
During the five years of pollen monitoring in Bucharest, we recorded a high amount of some allergenic species, mainly grass and weeds, the last being represented by Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Amb) and Artemisia vulgaris (Art)
Summary
Allergic diseases, including asthma, are considered a prominent cause of disability and mortality in the world, with major social and economic consequences [1]. Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem, with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe over the last few decades [3]. Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe. The aim of our paper is to present results from five years of pollen monitoring in the city center of Bucharest and preliminary data on distribution and health impact of some allergenic plants, mainly Ambrosia artemisiifolia, which is considered a real danger for the public health. Preliminary health data from allergists confirmed that the number of patients with allergies to Ambrosia pollen is increasing from one year to another and almost all patients describe a high urban exposure from their living or working place. Conclusions: We consider that the recently implemented Law 62/2018 against Ambrosia may help reduce weed distribution and the atmospheric pollen load, but a more complex and coordinated strategy for controlling urban vegetation and reducing biologic pollution is needed
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