EUMETNET AutoPollen: establishing a European network for automatic bioaerosol detection

Approximately 20-30% of the European population suffers from pollen allergies, imposing an economic burden of 50 to 150 billion euros annually. Traditional pollen monitoring methods, which rely on manual counting, face significant limitations, including a delay of 3 to 9 days between data collection and the availability of results. This lag hampers timely allergy management and forecasting.

Recent advancements in technology, particularly the use of artificial intelligence and automated systems, have revolutionized the field, enabling real-time detection of pollen and other large bioaerosols. These innovations offer a significant leap forward in the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of pollen monitoring.

Since its inception in 2018, the EUMETNET AutoPollen Programme has united a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to address all aspects of the information chain, from instrument certification and calibration all the way to estimating impacts and disseminating products to end-users. A notable achievement of the programme includes an international study that compared various combinations of monitoring devices and particle identification algorithms. This study successfully identified several viable solutions for operational, real-time bioaerosol observations, paving the way for practical implementation across Europe.

The ongoing collective effort aims to establish a robust European network for real-time pollen and fungal spores monitoring. This network will significantly enhance allergy management by providing timely and accurate data, improve forecasting capabilities, and support further scientific research. Ultimately, it will expand access to reliable, real-time information, benefiting end users and contributing to a healthier and better-informed society.