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Comparison between outdoor and indoor airborne allergenic activity
G D'Amato1, M Russo, G Liccardi
1Department of Chest Diseases, Hospital "A. Cardarelli", Naples Italy.
Summary
Hay fever sufferers should stay indoors during high pollen seasons. Closing windows significantly reduces indoor allergenic activity compared to outdoor levels, offering relief from pollen exposure.
Area of Science:
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
- Aerobiology
Background:
- Outdoor pollen monitoring using spore traps measures airborne pollen grains per cubic meter.
- Current methods primarily assess outdoor environments, yet individuals spend significant time indoors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare outdoor allergenic pollen levels with indoor and outdoor allergenic activity.
- To evaluate the impact of indoor environments on pollen exposure for allergy sufferers.
Main Methods:
- Airborne Urticaceae pollen was measured using a Lanzoni spore trap.
- Simultaneous indoor and outdoor air samples were collected on filters for allergenic activity analysis (Parietaria judaica) using immunocapture RAST.
- Data collection occurred with varying balcony conditions (open/closed) at a hospital setting.
Main Results:
- When the balcony was closed, indoor allergenic activity decreased by approximately one-third compared to outdoor levels.
- A significant correlation was found between outdoor and indoor allergen levels when the balcony was open (r = .4415, P < .05).
- A highly significant correlation existed between outdoor pollen count and outdoor allergen levels (r = .5225, P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Findings support recommending hay fever patients stay indoors during high outdoor pollen seasons.
- Reducing indoor-outdoor air exchange is effective in lowering indoor allergenic pollen exposure.
- This study provides evidence for environmental control strategies in managing allergic rhinitis.