Urban allergy review: Allergic rhinitis and asthma with plane tree sensitization (Review)

Respiratory allergies represent a major public health issue in the modern world. Pollens are among the most significant causes of seasonal allergic rhinitis, with pollens of wind-pollinated trees representing an important cause. Members of the Platanaceae family (Platanus acerifolia, Platanus orientalis) are well-recognized sources of allergenic pollens worldwide, due to their high capacity of sensitization and widespread usage as ornamental urban trees. Air pollution, characteristic to all important urban conglomerates in the world and provoked by diesel exhaust gases, industrial and domestic fumes, and biogenic volatile organic compounds represents another major public health issue. Plane trees, along with other species of trees, are one of the main sources of volatile compounds. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between air pollution and respiratory allergies, with airway chemical compounds intensifying the capacity of sensitization to allergenic pollens. This study presents an overview of the known negative elements on public health of the Platanus family.