Abstract
BackgroundInformation about airborne pollen concentrations is required by a range of end users, particularly from the health sector who use both observations and forecasts to diagnose and treat allergic patients. Manual methods are the standard for such measurements but, despite the range of pollen taxa that can be identified, these techniques suffer from a range of drawbacks. This includes being available at low temporal resolution (usually daily averages) and with a delay (usually 3–9 days from the measurement). Recent technological developments have made possible automatic pollen measurements, which are available at high temporal resolution and in real time, although currently only scattered in a few locations across Europe.Materials & MethodsTo promote the development of an extensive network across Europe and to ensure that this network will respond to end user needs, a stakeholder workshop was organised under the auspices of the EUMETNET AutoPollen Programme. Participants discussed requirements for the groups they represented, ranging from the need for information at various spatial scales, at high temporal resolution, and for targeted services to be developed.ResultsThe provision of real‐time information is likely to lead to a notable decrease in the direct and indirect health costs associated with allergy in Europe, currently estimated between €50–150 billion/year.1 Discussion & ConclusionA European measurement network to meet end user requirements would thus more than pay for itself in terms of potential annual savings and provide significant impetus to research across a range of disciplines from climate science and public health to agriculture and environmental management.
Highlights
Information about airborne pollen concentrations is required by a range of end users, from the health sector who use both observations and forecasts to diagnose and treat allergic patients
This paper aims to describe the needs of these different end‐user groups for real‐time pollen and fungal spore information, as well as to outline the infrastructure and services required to meet these needs
Preparedness of health systems can be strengthened by improving the preparedness of health professionals, which includes providing them with better information and services upon which they can make decisions. This can naturally be extended to the public who need to be informed about observed and projected changes in environmental exposure, such as shifting pollen seasons or extension of the geographical distribution of allergenic plant taxa
Summary
Information about airborne pollen concentrations is required by a range of end users, from the health sector who use both observations and forecasts to diagnose and treat allergic patients. Manual methods are the standard for such measurements but, despite the range of pollen taxa that can be identified, these techniques suffer from a range of drawbacks. This includes being available at low temporal resolution (usually daily averages) and with a delay (usually 3–9 days from the measurement). Medical practitioners require information about what is present in the atmosphere and how the situation may evolve to better understand and treat their allergic patients In response to this need, doctors in countries across the globe established measurement sites to monitor airborne pollen concentrations. Some networks are at the brink of collapse, with financial or political support lacking and volunteerism having its limits
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