Ragweed Pollution in Hungary, 2000–2005

Abstract

P-109 Background: In Hungary, the most important ambient biological air pollutant is ragweed (Ambrosia elatior). The majority of patients with inhalative allergic diseases are sensitized to ragweed. Material and Methods: Ragweed pollution situation is evaluated by using Driving force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action model suggested by WHO. Ragweed coveredness is presented by the map of the Plant and Soil Protection Service and on the basis of the analysis of satellite images by the Institute of Geodesy, Cartography and Remote Sensing: The airborne concentration in the years between 2000–2005 is described on the basis of measurements of the Aerobiological Network of the National Public Health Service. Sensitization to ragweed allergens is an indirect cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The trends of incidence and prevalence of these diseases are shown by using the reports of the National Institute of Pulmonology. Measures and actions to reduce ragweed pollution are also summarized. Results: Ragweed coveredness of the country decreased from 2004 to 2005. Airborne pollen concentration showed a decreasing tendency during the analysed six years, although the number of days with pollen counts higher than 100 grains/m3 was still very high in 2005 with the exception of town Szolnok (in the Great Lowland), where the daily concentration was less than this value on every day of the season. Daily maximum concentration in 2005 was 549 grain/m3 in Transdanubia, in the town of Szekszard, in contrast to 785 grain/m3 in Veszprem in the northern part of Lake Balaton in the previous year. The total pollen load was the highest in Kecskemet (a town between the rivers Danube and Tisza) in both years, but the change was remarkable: in 2004 – 11084 grain/m3 and in 2005 8956 grain/m3. In the year 2005, due to the eradication campaigns and rainy weather the pollen concentration decreased in most parts of the country with the exception of two towns. The increase of growth of incidence of allergic rhinitis slowed down since 2000. In 2003 and 2004 the incidence did not increase compared to the previous year. The yearly incidence of allergic asthma showed a small variation. Legislative measures, education, plant protection had a beneficial effect on ragweed eradication. Conclusion: The decrease of ragweed pollen load would improve outdoor air quality and reduce the risk of asthmatic attacks in children, meeting the aims of children-environmental health action plan. Acknowledgement: The study was sponsored by the Hungarian Research Development Program, NKFP 1B/022/04 (2004–2006).