Pollen calendars: a guide to common airborne pollen in Andalusia

Abstract

This paper presents pollen calendars for the capital cities of the eight provinces of Andalusia (south of Spain) based on the airborne pollen counts recorded in a 10-year historical database. Pollen calendars are useful in the prevention and diagnosis of hay fever, in that they enable the timing and severity of the pollen season to be clearly defined. The differences encountered—in terms of both pollen spectra and the length and timing of the pollen season (start date, peak date, peak concentration and end date)—highlight not only the considerable diversity of urban landscapes in the eight Andalusian cities, but also the effect of urban green areas and periurban landscapes on airborne pollen levels. Green areas should be designed with a view to promoting benefits for the local population and avoiding the problems associated with the massive use of allergenic plants.