Pollen Monitoring Across New England

Collecting and assembling the biological (i.e. pollen and mold) parameters of air quality data has proven to be a more difficult and time-consuming task. With the significant health and economic costs resulting from allergic diseases (AAAAI, 2000), it is surprising to find that there is no organized comprehensive pollen and mold (aeroallergen) monitoring network established in the Northeast United States. In most instances, independent sites collecting pollen and mold data only provide current aeroallergen conditions to local health and media organizations who in turn relay the information to the public through newscasts, websites, physicians, and telephone hotlines. After the allergen report is relayed, little attention is paid to archiving data for future use as there is no incentive to do so. Usually, the individual doing the actual pollen and mold counting has been certified (commonly by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology- AAAAI) but there are no set guidelines as to how or where the data is stored or how it can be accessed by others. The data archives range from being hand written hard copies to varying digital formats. Because these data are not readily available, air quality and human health research has been limited by the availability of quality aeroallergen data. In fact a broader survey of the scientific literature reveals a significant lack of papers analyzing the relationships between aeroallergens, atmospheric chemistry, and health effects.

We are addressing the collection of pollen and mold data in three complimentary ways. First, we have contacted individual hospitals and allergy clinics that have collected or are currently collecting pollen and mold data (Table 1, at end of references section below). This data has been loaded into our database and is ready for analysis.

Second, in collaboration with John King at University of Rhode Island, we have initiated a revival of the New England Society of Allergy pollen and mold monitoring network. An integrated approach to organizing an aeroallergen data collection network will serve at least four purposes (1) to organize data collection, archiving, and oversee quality assurance/control; (2) to provide near real time, decision relevant allergen information to doctors and media outlets; (3) to serve as a aeroallergen data archive for stakeholders, including outside researchers; and (4) establish a potential signal of interannual climate variability with direct significance for public health The new sites include Durham NH, Burlington VT, Westerly RI, Bangor ME and Stamford CT. Samples are collected over 24 periods using a ROTOROD Model 40 samplers which collects two samples simultaneously on greased plastic rods, and provides a volumetric measurement of the grains/spores per cubic meter. The sample rods are then shipped by Federal Express at least two times a week to URI for pollen and mold counting to provide quality assurance of the data and consistency across the region. In addition, samples are collected 7 days a week (not just the five days a week that has been the norm in the past). This effort builds upon the two New England sites operated by the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) (Chelmsford, MA and Waterbury, CT) and several other independent sites across New England that collect aeroallergens.

Finally, we are collaborating with Christine Rogers and colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health regarding the effect of pollen and mold on human health in New England. In particular, Rogers et al. have set up a detailed pollen, mold, and health observation network in Worcester, MA that is complimentary to our efforts. The Harvard group also adds considerable pollen and mold expertise to our efforts.