Questionnaire survey on worldwide aerobiological networks : introduction

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  • TERANISHI Hidetoyo
    Dept. of Public health, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama

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  • 世界の空中生物学(aerobiology)ネットワークについて
  • セカイ ノ クウチュウ セイブツガク(aerobiology)ネットワーク ニ ツイテ

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Abstract

A questionnaire survey of aerobiological networks worldwide was carried out by a committee coordinated by Prof. Jordina Belmonte in 2010. The results were reported during the 9th International Conference for Aerobiology held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in August 2010. Completed questionnaires were received from 465 sampling stations. Three categories of network reported back to the Committee: 1) Regional Networks (25), 2) National Networks (20), and 3) International Networks (3). The current report provides an introduction to the survey and to several important issues in aerobiology. The airborne pollen and spore samples were mainly collected using a Burkard type sampler, although Durham type samplers were used in a minority of cases. In the main the observations, and identification of the samples were carried out by university PhD students as part of their research studies and, to a lesser extent, by qualified doctors and teachers. The funding for these research projects was the main problem, and was often provided from the regional budgets of local governments; funding from state budgets was infrequent. There was also an example of private enterprise being able to provide some financial support for aerobiological survey work. In the main facilities for collection and observation of samples were shown to be universities and hospitals in cooperation with local government departments. The three International Networks provided internationally agreed documentation for observers, these included guidelines for sampling methods and sampling standards and, from an educational perspective, guides to pollen and spore identification using type specimens. Furthermore, to ensure a consistently high level of good data, regular quality control was recommended by the International Networks. Local public information services were, in general, provided with regular data on predicted levels of atmospheric pollen, as well as the actual levels of pollen. Pollen allergy risk was also disseminated by some of the more enlightened networks. Some networks, were also using an interactive internet system to answer questions from the general public.

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