The accuracy of the reported ragweed pollen count as a measure of the actual pollen exposure of individuals in that community

Abstract

A field survey to determine the location and density of ragweed growth was made in a city located in a known high ragweed pollen area. Ten standard samplers were located in certain residential areas. Slides exposed for 24 hours at each of these sampling sites were compared with the pollen catch reported in terms of a centrally located standard sampler. It was believed the 10 samplers located in the residential areas would determine the ground level dispersion of ragweed pollen, while the centrally located standard sampler would more nearly approximate the aerial transmission of ragweed pollen. 1. 1. This comparison indicates that on a seasonal basis, little would be accomplished by local ragweed control measures, if such were restricted to the city grown ragweed. 2. 2. The ragweed pollen index in terms of a centrally located standard sampler is of value to the physician on a seasonal basis in that it does indicate to him rather accurately the ease or difficulty in treatment of patients living in the area. However, the daily reports in terms of a centrally located standard sampler do not indicate accurately the marked daily variations in pollen dosages to which the individual patient is exposed. 3. 3. Certain meteorological conditions, such as wind velocity, air turbulence, sunshine, and humidity influencing the local and aerial transmission of ragweed pollen are discussed. 4. 4. This study also appears to show that a centrally located standard sampler in this community will have value in measuring the effectiveness of plant eradication programs when such programs are carried out on a broader basis than on a local level.