Pollen & Mold Count

Air sampling provides information about the bioaerosol composition of the atmosphere. It has been used since the 19th century to examine the bioaerosol composition of the atmosphere. The early history of aerobiology and the development of air samplers have been thoroughly reviewed in several publication. Aerobiological data have been used by physicians as well as scientists in many disciplines. Allergists have used aeroallergen information to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and to determine pollen calendars for their geographic areas. The air sampling data have also been used in the medical community to determine the effects of allergen exposure on patient symptoms and to evaluate clinical trials. Plant pathologists utilize air sampling to study the dispersal of agriculturally important pathogens, and epidemiologists study human or animal pathogens. Air sampling is used to monitor the spread of genetically engineered microbes and pollen from genetically engineered crops in the natural environment. Paleoecologists, geologists, and archeologists use air sampling to understand the relationship between modern pollen deposition and modern plant communities as a guide to interpreting former plant communities using fossil pollen records. Recently, mycologists, industrial hygienists, and other indoor investigators have used air sampling data to evaluate exposure where indoor fungal amplification is evident or suspect. A wide variety of sampling devices are in use today, and new methods and instruments are continually being developed.

– Estelle Levetin, PhD, University of Tulsa