POLLEN & SPORE REPORT
Pollen and fungal spore levels in the East Midlands
This page is dedicated to reporting the pollen and fungal spore levels in the East Midlands, paying particular mention to those known to be allergenic. This page will be updated regularly in the peak season (June/August) and as and when necessary outside these months.
The information provided is for the interest of, and use by, the general public only.
Recent pollen levels
Overall pollen levels in the East Midlands have remained low. Specifically the pollen counts have comprised of low levels of grass and nettle, yew-type, plantain, lime, mugwort, and fat-hen (Chenopodium).
Updated: 30/07/2010
Recent grass pollen levels in the East Midlands
The recent wet weather has suppressed the grass pollen levels in the East Midlands to low levels, however, there is still a risk of grass pollen at moderate levels on warm sunny days.
The table below shows the levels of grass based on the average count between 9am on the date shown and 9am the following day. This table will be updated Monday to Friday whilst the grass season lasts.
Date |
Grass pollen |
| 25th July 2010 | Low |
| 26th July 2010 | Low |
| 27th July 2010 | Low |
| 28th July 2010 | Low |
| 29th July 2010 | Low |
Updated: 30/07/2010
Recent fungal spore levels
Most recent airborne fungal spore concentrations in the East Midlands have fluctuated from moderate to very high, depending on the weather. Fungal spore concentrations consist predominantly of Cladosporium, Sporobolomyces, Alternaria, hyaline basidiospores, ascospores, Tilletiopsis, Didymella and coloured basidiospores, amongst low levels of other spores including Botrytis, Leptosphaeria, Ganoderma and Ustilago. Periods of wet weather cause large increases in Sporobolomyces, Didymella and other ascospores.
Cladosporium and Alternaria, both known fungal allergens, remain consistently at clinically significant levels expected to cause symptoms of allergy in sensitised individuals, highest during periods of warm, dry weather.
Updated: 29/07/2010
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Key to Grass Pollen counts
Classification |
Pollen grains per cubic metre of air |
|
Low |
0 – 29 |
|
Moderate |
30 – 49 |
|
High |
50 – 149 |
|
Very High |
150 - 499 |
| Exceedingly High |
> 500 |
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Key to spore levels
Classification |
Fungal spores per cubic metre of air |
|
Very Low |
< 1,000 |
|
Low |
1,000 - 4,999 |
|
Moderate |
5,000 - 19,999 |
|
High |
20,000 - 50,000 |
|
Very High |
> 50,000 |
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Hayfever Tips – Always be prepared
Start medication early
When the pollen count is high stay indoors with the doors and windows closed
Change your clothes and have a shower at the end of the day
Go to sleep with your head on a fresh pillowcase
In the car keep the windows closed and wear sunglasses
Do not walk in the woods if you are allergic to tree pollen
Seasonal peaks for some of the more allergenic pollen
Hazel (February and March)
Alder (February and March)
Birch (April)
Oak (May)
Grass (June and July)
Nettle (June- September)
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