Variations in the concentrations of airborne Olea pollen and associated pollinosis in Córdoba (Spain): a study of the 10-year period 1982-1991.

The amount and the seasonal and daily changes in the concentrations of Olea pollen grains in the atmosphere of Córdoba (Spain) have been studied over a 10-year period. The year by year seasonal variation pattern and the theoretical intradiurnal variation model are presented. The data show a high annual variability, median concentrations varying from 75 g/m3/h in 1983 to 1413 g/m3/h in 1986. A steady increase in the total amount of pollen is attributed to the climatological characteristics of the period studied. On the other hand, the clinical data show that the number of cases of Olea allergy has increased considerably during this period, probably more because of changes in the quality of the atmosphere than because of the increase in the amount of antigen present in the air.