[Perspectives for nationwide pollen monitoring in Germany]

Abstract

Allergenic pollen are natural, biological airborne particles and the main cause of allergic respiratory diseases. The measurement of allergenic pollen is a required measure in preventive healthcare and indicates changes in the pollen spectrum as to be expected in the context of climate change.The only nationwide pollen measuring network in Germany is operated by the Foundation German Pollen Information Service, however, its continuity and further development (a hybrid system with manual and automated pollen traps) are not financially guaranteed. In the summer of 2017, the interdisciplinary working group "National Pollen Monitoring" was formed to exchange corresponding perspectives for Germany.Between November 2017 and June 2018, the working group met for three days of discussions, each with a different topic. The internal protocols for each meeting served as a basis for the position paper, which the working group used to complete their work.Due to the impact of allergenic pollen on human health and the significance of allergic diseases for the health service, the working group is in favour of the nationwide pollen monitoring being included in the catalogue of government responsibilities, which secure the basic supply of essential goods and public services of general interest.Regarding any possible assigned responsibilities within the governmental framework, different options were discussed. Independent from future responsibilities, co-operation between metrological, medical and scientific facilities is essential for adequate preventive healthcare.

Keywords: Allergy; Forecast; Health; Measurement; Prevention.