A study on airborne allergenic pollen content of the atmosphere of Naples

In this paper we describe the results of volumetric sampling of the airborne allergenic pollen content of the Naples atmosphere. These studies have been carried out continuously since 1 May 1979 until 31 December 1981 utilizing a Burkard volumetric spore trap. We found that the most important allergenic pollen in Naples air is Parietaria, with a very long-lasting period of pollination occurring from March to November. After Parietaria, Gramineae play an allergenic role frequently in association with the pollen of Olea, which is the most important pollen of all the trees in this area. In the summer/autumn seasons we observed in this area the pollination of mugwort (the unique plant of the Compositae) which was found to be of allergenic importance in Naples.