Evaluating effects of global change on patterns of aeroallergens and ground-level ozone across the contiguous US

摘要

The prevalence of Allergic Airway Disease (AAD) is growing globally, resulting in increased numbers of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Clinical studies show that AAD can be exacerbated by the synergistic action of aeroallergens such as pollen and fungi, and atmospheric pollutants such as ozone. Furthermore, climate change has critically affected atmospheric processes involved in the dynamics of air pollution systems and emissions of natural pollutants such as pollen and spores. Previous studies, involving data from nationwide observations of airborne pollen counts of selected plant species in conjunction with climatic factors, indicated that the start date and length of pollen season, the average peak value and annual total of daily counted airborne pollen have been affected substantially by the changing climate. The present study investigates co-occurrences of peak ozone concentrations and peak pollen counts across the contiguous United States (ConUS). Analysis of observed pollen counts and ozone concentrations at 58 pollen monitor stations were conducted. Concentrations of pollen in base years (2001-2004) and future years (2047-2050) are simulated with a customized version of CMAQ (the Community Multiscale Air Quality model) employing a grid with 36 km by 36 km horizontal resolution, while corresponding ozone concentrations at similar resolutions for the above timeframes were conducted by a multi-university/agency consortium including USEPA. The study employs spatiotemporal correlation analysis to examine patterns of co-occurring ozone and pollen concentrations. The outcomes of this study provide information that could support development of strategies for managing health-impacts of co-occurring photochemical pollutants and aeroallergens.