Allergenic Pinus (pine) pollen concentrations in Turkey

Objective: Pine tree is a wind pollinated plant which produces high amount of pollen and has a long-distance distribution of pollen grains although allergenic effects of pine pollen have been classified in low or non-allergenic level. In recent years, as well as the extensive amounts of pine pollen-sensitive individuals exposed to show some symptoms that have been reported. Materials and Methods: In this study, monthly variation and annual proportions of Pinus pollen investigated for 59 atmospheric pollen studies in Turkey, which carried out by using Lanzoni/Burkard sampler with volumetric method or by using Durham sampler with gravimetric method. Furthermore, researches evaluated about Pinus pollen sensitivities, performed in Europe and our country. Results: Pollen grains of this genus have been detected in quite high levels in almost all atmospheric pollen studies prepared in our country. According to results of the study, Pious pollen can be seen in the atmosphere throughout whole year but especially found in high amounts in april-may. Conclusion: Having a contribution over 50% of annual total pollen counts, pine pollens are important for sensitive patients living in Turkey.