Keywords
pollen
aerobiology
public health
public information
How to Cite
Abstract
Pollen is one of the most remarkable components of bioaerosols, as it serves as the primary vector for most of airborne allergens affecting humans. It is anticipated that, due to the multifaceted impacts of global change, its relevance will continue to increase in the future. In the Madrid Region, the Madrid Region Palynological Network works as an environmental surveillance system for airborne pollen exposure, and has been established as a key preventive tool for public health since 1994 to the present.
This study examines the incidence of the main morphological pollen types during the year 2024, analysing annual and monthly pollen indices, as well as the seasonal trends of the most allergenic pollen types. The findings reveal that 2024 not only registered the highest overall pollen concentration in the historical series, but also that certain allergenic taxa, commonly used for ornamental purposes, were responsible for the majority of the pollen amounts during the study period.
Public engagement with the aerobiological data provided by the network was assessed through web visits to the official information platforms. A marked increase in visits was observed during periods of elevated concentrations of allergenic pollen in the air, highlighting both the practical utility of the information and the population’s demand for accurate, standardised, and up-to-date scientific data in the Madrid Region.
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