Exposure and Sensitization to Formaldehyde of Urban Children at Risk of Asthma and Rhinitis: 67

Abstract

Asma Tahir, MPH, Tanviben Patel, PhD, Joseph Jean, BS, Mark Buttner, PhD, Dennis Bazylinski, PhD, and Joram S. Seggev, MD FAAAAI; University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, Joram S. Seggev, MD, Las Vegas, NV. RATIONALE: Tree pollens are significant allergens that predominantly occur between February and May. Data are lacking in annual variations of tree pollen in Las Vegas. The objective of this study is to compare airborne tree pollen concentrations in Las Vegas from 2015-2018. METHODS: Air samples were collected using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore sampler located at a National Allergy Bureau certified sampling site in Las Vegas. Samples were analyzed with a compound light microscope at 400x magnification. Data were compared with a one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: From 2015-2018, mulberry had the greatest annual mean (1,349 grains/m6 143) when compared to all other tree pollen, peaking at 16,218 grains/m in March 2018. Cedar pollen reached higher concentrations in 2015 in comparison to all of the other years (P5 0.000). Oak pollen was higher in 2015 when compared to 2016 and 2018 (P 5 0.001). Olive concentrations reached a maximum of 855 grains/m in 2015. Ash concentrations reached a maximum of 610 grains/m in 2018. The mean concentrations of olive and ash were not significantly different between years (P 51.00). An increasing trend in annual total tree pollen since 2016 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Mulberry was by far the predominant tree pollen from 2015-2018. Variations were observed in all airborne tree pollensmonitored from year to year. The total tree pollen concentrations have shown a steady increase, possibly due to shorter winters and warmer springs. Further monitoring is needed to determine seasonal trends in tree pollen concentrations and provide timely forecasts for the community.