‘Pollen potency’: the relationship between atmospheric pollen counts and allergen exposure

Abstract Pollen allergies are responsible for a considerable global public health burden, and understanding exposure is critical to addressing the impacts. Atmospheric pollen counts routinely used as predictor of risk; however, immune responses triggered by specific proteins known allergens, which occur both within on surface grain. The ratio between atmospheric allergen concentrations (‘pollen potency’) has been shown be inconsistent, with potentially important implications monitoring practice. Despite this, there no previous synthesis literature our factors that influence potency remains poor. We conducted scoping review aim deriving current of: (a) potency; (b) its variation through time, taxa location; (c) Our found highly variable seasons, locations; much this variability unexplained not deeply investigated. predictable patterns relating taxon, geography or inconclusive evidence regarding possible driving factors. With respect human health, studies in generally reported larger associations loads allergy symptoms than whole counts. This suggests influences base limited. Further research needed better understand health.