Background/Aim: Pollen cytoplasmic granules (PCG) are loaded with allergens. They are released from grass pollen grains following contact with water and can form a respirable allergenic aerosol. On the other hand, the traffic-related air pollutants NO₂ and O₃ are known to be involved in the current increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases via their adjuvant effects. Our objective was to determine the effects of air pollutants on the release of PCG from Phleum pratense (timothy grass) pollen. Methods:P. pratense pollen was exposed to several concentrations of NO₂ and O₃. The induced morphological damages were observed by environmental scanning electron microscopy, and the amount of PCG released from the pollen upon contact with water was measured. Results: The percentages of damaged grain were 6.4% in air-treated controls, 15% after treatment with the highest NO₂ dose (50 ppm) and 13.5% after exposure to 0.5 ppm O₃. In treated samples, a fraction of the grains spontaneously released their PCG. Upon subsequent contact with water, the remaining intact grains released more PCG than pollen exposed to air only. Conclusions: Traffic-related pollutants can trigger the release of allergen-containing granules from grass pollen, and increase the bioavailability of airborne pollen allergens. This is a new mechanism by which air pollution concurs with the current increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases.

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The present work investigates the use of consolidants in stone material of integrated built heritage undergoing the action of some acids derived from pollutant air gases on the steatites (soapstone) of architectural works as well as the description of the correlated chemical reactions. It is proposed to examine these atmospheric pollutants, highlighting the SO 2 and NO 2 gases and their respective acids. If these gases from fossil fuel burning act decisively in the stone material and one can slow down and/or prevent degradation through the use of consolidant chemicals with certain characteristics by means of technical standards, e.g. the quality of the consolidation, depth of penetration, porosity, consolidating compatibility with rock, final appearance and safety during application. Initially, the basic characteristics and chemical composition of the stone material were studied as well as its occurrence in equity work properties. This research addresses the consolidation of steatites (soapstone) by the use of wax for the control of degradation in stone material heritage.