Climate Change, Air Quality, and Pollen Allergies—State of the Art and Recommendations for Research and Public Health

Abstract

Allergies are one of the major health challenges of our time, associated with a high individual burden of disease and high costs for the healthcare system. Given their prevalence, allergies are also highly relevant from a public health perspective. The development of allergic diseases is multifactorial. In addition to individual factors (e.g., genetic predisposition), environmental factors are particularly important. These include climate (including climate change), weather, and air pollution, which affect the biosphere and biodiversity. Pollen-associated allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergies. Airborne pollen is strongly connected with climate (change) and air pollution. For example, interannual climate variability and climate change affect phenology, pollen production, and pollen transport, and air pollutants affect pollen allergenicity. Climate change also affects air quality as meteorological conditions influence relevant processes such as the emission, transport, chemistry, and deposition of air pollutants, which affect the occurrence, intensity, and duration of allergy symptoms. The aims of this position paper are: (a) to provide an overview of the current state of scientific knowledge on the effects of climate change and air quality on pollen allergies, (b) to discuss conflicting objectives in the fight against pollen allergies, and (c) to provide recommendations for policy makers, health professionals, public health measures, and future research.