AB 90. Recording aeroallergens at various heights above the thessaloniki by using light aircraft and their association with the city of meteorological data

Background: Working Purpose: Allergic diseases such as asthma exhibit increased incidence partly due to increased concentration of allergens in the atmosphere. The aeroallergens associated with increased asthma exacerbations and related hospitalizations. Studies show that different weather conditions cause variability in the distribution of allergens in the ground. The purpose of this study was to estimate the concentration of aeroallergens in various altitudes and the investigation of their association with meteorological variables.

Patients and methods: Measurable concentrations of 25 different types of allergens were recorded over the northern outskirts of the city of Thessaloniki with the help of car and light aircraft at altitudes from the surface to 2,000 meters. The counting was done at the main part of the period movement of aeroallergens. Studied differences between concentrations at different heights and correlations with the meteorological data of the region.

Results: Of the 25 different aeroallergens detected, the most populous in the concentration recorded by the aircraft was pine, oak, grasses, plantain and the olive tree, representing over 80% of all measurements. Drive rate>75% were grasses. The concentrations varied at different heights depending on the type of pollen: at higher altitudes higher concentrations were observed for pine and oak and lower for the grasses. The measurement period showed a direct correlation with concentrations in various heights. The observed correlations of pollen with meteorological data led to the development of a predictive model of concentration in the area of interest.

Conclusions: The collection and study, but also to predict the concentration of allergens in different heights in the atmosphere is technically feasible. The aeroallergens fly at higher altitudes than was thought until now. Rain as potential allergens should be taken seriously for genesis of allergic reactions even from such heights. The detection of pollen at high altitudes and keeping them even in extreme weather raises questions about secure environment free of allergens and morbidity that accompanies allergic individuals.