Ariano R, Canonica GW, Passalacqua G.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Published date March 1, 2010

Possible role of climate changes in variations in pollen seasons and allergic sensitizations during 27 years

  • Assesses variations in pollens and allergic sensitizations across 27 years in relation to climate change in a specific region
  • Records pollen counts, season durations, and prevalences of sensitizations for 5 major pollens (birch, cypress, olive, grass, and Parietaria) in western Liguria, Italy between 1981 and 2007
  • Finds a progressive increase in the duration of the pollen seasons for Parietaria (+85 days), olive (+18 days), and cypress (+18 days), with an overall advance of their start dates
  • Results indicate the progressive climate changes, with increased temperatures, may modify the global pollen load and affect the rate of allergic sensitization across long periods