New data on pollen level predictions

04/04/2011

The Aerobiology Network of Catalonia (Xarxa Aerobiològica de Catalunya) was created based on a collaboration which began in 1983 between the Botanic Unit at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Allergology Teaching Unit at Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, with the economic support of the Allergy Division of Laboratorios LETUI, S.A. Starting in 2006 XAC became a member of ICTA and began to receive funding from other organisations (Meteorological Service of Catalonia, and the Provincial Councils of Barcelona and Tarragona).
 
Throughout the years, under the coordination of Jordina Belmonte, lecturer of the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology, collaborations have led to the study of pollen contents in the different geographical parts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Each of the aerobiological stations contains a Hirst type spore and pollen collector, which works continuously and collects samples daily. Once at the UAB Palynology Lab, samples are analysed with optical microscopes to obtain pollen and mould spore counts. Data is then published and announced to inform the public on the current state and predictions of allergenic pollen levels.

More information: Aerobiology Network of Catalonia