Foundational readings concerning pollen for allergists and aerobiologists

Abstract

Background: In a medical culture being revolutionized by MEDLINE, MD-Consult, and full-text electronic journals, books are frequently dismissed as antiquated and hopelessly out of date. For those involved in the study of atmospheric pollen, however, books--many several decades old--still represent foundational reading.

Objectives: This paper will present and briefly review 17 books dealing with the ecology of plants that cause pollinosis, pollen morphology, pollen movement in the atmosphere, and air sampling techniques.

Conclusions: This small collection of books provides a foundation with which to approach the study of atmospheric pollen. Allergists and aerobiologists are encouraged to become familiar with these titles, particularly if they intend to publish pollen data in medical journals.