Allergenic Pollen Calendar in Korea Based on Probability Distribution Models and Up-to-Date Observations

PURPOSE: The pollen calendar is the simplest forecasting method for pollen concentrations. As pollen concentrations are liable to seasonal variations due to alterations in climate and land-use, it is necessary to update the pollen calendar using recent data. To attenuate the impact of considerable temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations on the pollen calendar, it is essential to employ a new methodology for its creation.METHODS: A pollen calendar was produced in Korea using data from recent observations, and a new method for creating the calendar was proposed, considering both risk levels and temporal resolution of pollen concentrations. A probability distribution was used for smoothing concentrations and determining risk levels. Airborne pollen grains were collected between 2007 and 2017 at 8 stations; 13 allergenic pollens, including those of alder, Japanese cedar, birch, hazelnut, oak, elm, pine, ginkgo, chestnut, grasses, ragweed, mugwort and Japanese hop, were identified from the collected grains.RESULTS: The concentrations of each pollen depend on locations and seasons due to large variability in species distribution and their environmental condition. In the descending order of concentration, pine, oak and Japanese hop pollens were found to be the most common in Korea. The pollen concentrations were high in spring and autumn, and those of oak and Japanese hop were probably the most common cause of allergy symptoms in spring and autumn, respectively. High Japanese cedar pollen counts were observed in Jeju, while moderate concentrations were in Jeonju, Gwangju and Busan.CONCLUSIONS: A new methodology for the creation of a pollen calendar was developed to attenuate the impact of large temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations. This revised calendar should be available to the public and allergic patients to prevent aggravation of pollen allergy.

A Six-Year Study on the Changes in Airborne Pollen Counts and Skin Positivity Rates in Korea: 2008-2013

PURPOSE: The occurrence of pollen allergy is subject to exposure to pollen, which shows regional and temporal variations. We evaluated the changes in pollen counts and skin positivity rates for 6 years, and explored the correlation between their annual rates of change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the number of pollen grains collected in Seoul, and retrospectively reviewed the results of 4442 skin-prick tests conducted at the Severance Hospital Allergy-Asthma Clinic from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2013. RESULTS: For 6 years, the mean monthly total pollen count showed two peaks, one in May and the other in September. Pollen count for grasses also showed the same trend. The pollen counts for trees, grasses, and weeds changed annually, but the changes were not significant. The annual skin positivity rates in response to pollen from grasses and weeds increased significantly over the 6 years. Among trees, the skin positivity rates in response to pollen from walnut, popular, elm, and alder significantly increased over the 6 years. Further, there was a significant correlation between the annual rate of change in pollen count and the rate of change in skin positivity rate for oak and hop Japanese. CONCLUSION: The pollen counts and skin positivity rates should be monitored, as they have changed annually. Oak and hop Japanese, which showed a significant correlation with the annual rate of change in pollen count and the rate of change in skin positivity rate over the 6 years may be considered the major allergens in Korea.

Aerobiological Study of Pollen and Mold in the 10 States of Korea / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: As outdoor allergen, pollen and mold are increasely drawing attention all over the country in Korea. The peninsula is located in a temperate zone and has four distinct seasons. In this study, we described the seasonal variation of the pollen and mold distributions in Korea, which may be used to evaluate the pollenosis prevalence for the first time. METHODS: Rotorod samplers were installed on the 10 stations at each state in Korea. Outdoor allergens were collected daily in each station from July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1999. After staining they were identified, counted and recorded with the weather in each state. RESULTS: The pollens were found in the beginning of February through the middle of December. The earliest pollen was found from Pusan which is a south region, and followed by Chonju, Daegu which are midsouth. The peak season for pollen was from the end of April to the middle of May(major pollen: Tree, Grasses), the second peak was depicted from the end of August to the middle of September (major pollen : sagebrush, ragweed) the outdoor molds were largely collected from the July to the middle of October. Cladosporium and Alternaria were prevalent all year round and Ascospores of Leptospheria was peak in monsoon season. CONCLUSION: The pollens were found during the whole year except from middle of the December through the middle of the January. Molds were found all year round.