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A Review of Pollen Counting Networks: From the Nineteenth Century into the Twenty-first Century

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pollen is enormously important to the human experience. As pollen became germane to human health in the late nineteenth century, methods for pollen collection and measurement were developed. Techniques were standardized and pollen counting networks were established in many parts of the world during the middle to late part of the twentieth century. With some notable exceptions, the technology of the 1950s and 1960s is presently employed to create the current pollen counting networks. Pollen counting networks in the past faced substantial challenges. Pollen counting networks using the same technology as the past face the same challenges.

Recent Findings

As we move into the twenty-first century, automated pollen counting technology enables pollen counting networks to be robust, available, scalable, self-perpetuating, and able to meet modern demands.

Summary

Automated pollen measurement networks present a promising path towards a more informed, data-driven, and effective approach to managing allergens, improving crop yields, and minimizing human suffering caused by pollen. By empowering individuals with comprehensive pollen data, a feat not possible with manual counting, we can help people make informed decisions and take proactive measures to minimize exposure to allergens and improve their well-being.

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This review paper does not present original data.

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Funding

This study was self-funded.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pollen Sense, LLC, Provo, UT, 84604, USA

    Richard W. Lucas & Landon Bunderson

  2. Southwest Environmental Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85087, USA

    Richard W. Lucas

Authors
  1. Richard W. Lucas
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  2. Landon Bunderson
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Contributions

Both RWL and LB conceived of this work. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Richard W. Lucas.

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Conflict of Interest

Both RWL and LB disclose that they have a financial interest with Pollen Sense, LLC.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Lucas, R.W., Bunderson, L. A Review of Pollen Counting Networks: From the Nineteenth Century into the Twenty-first Century. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 24, 1–9 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-023-01119-5

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