In news

Chandigarh now has its first pollen calendar, which can identify potential allergy triggers and provide a clear understanding for clinicians as well as allergy sufferers about their causes to help limit their exposure during high pollen loads.

Aim of the study

The study aims to bring airborne pollen seasonal information to the susceptible population, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and scientists to be familiar with the current changes in the environment, which can further help develop mitigation strategies

Issues

• About 20-30% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis/hay fever in India, and approximately 15% develop asthma.
• Pollens are considered major outdoor airborne allergens responsible for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in humans. 

• Pollen calendars represent the time dynamics of airborne pollen taxa in graphical form in a particular geographical area.
• They yield readily accessible visual details about various airborne pollen taxa present throughout the year, with their seasonality in a single picture.
• Pollen calendars are location-specific, with concentrations closely related to locally distributed flora.