Five-Year Data on Pollen Monitoring, Distribution and Health Impact of Allergenic Plants in Bucharest and the Southeastern Region of Romania

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.

Clinical pattern and risk factors of respiratory allergies due to Ambrosia (ragweed) pollen: experience of one allergy center from Bucharest

“…Referring to the risk factors for allergy due to Ambrosia pollen, our study found a significant environmental exposure to the invasive plant, which was declared by almost all patients included in the study group and was also confirmed by our pollen monitoring data 14,15 , while history of atopy was found in only 11.95% of cases. Data from the literature pointed out that the time between exposure to a new allergen in an area until the appearance of allergic sensitization is about 10-15 years 28 .…”

“…Our data showed significant amount of Ambrosia pollen in Bucharest, with maximum values during early September, when the plant reaches the peak of flourishing and releases high amount of pollen in the atmosphere 14 . Since 2010 we also performed medical education and public activities dedicated to prevention and early diagnosis of allergies due to Ambrosia pollen and we encouraged allergic patients to associate and be involved in coordinated media campaign 15 .…”

Characterization of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis to Ragweed Pollen in Two Distinct Regions of Romania

“…Allergy to ragweed usually manifests clinically as allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, sometimes with associated asthma symptoms [10]. Despite this increasing health problem, there are few studies that have analyzed the impact of ragweed sensitization on the clinical manifestations of allergy, especially in Romania [4,11,12]. Most of the studies focused on determining the pollen level in the air and its correlation with the severity of manifestations.…”

Impact of Tree Pollen Distribution on Allergic Diseases in Serbia: Evidence of Implementation of Allergen Immunotherapy to Betula verrucosa

“…The period of tree pollination lasts from February to May. The measurement of air pollen concentration is important for monitoring allergenic plant distribution and yearly variations [10]. The importance of allergen pollen measurement is reflected in the timely application of allergen immunotherapy.…”