Pollen Monitoring

Did you know we also monitor pollen?

In addition to air quality monitoring, the Pollution Team monitor pollen as part of the National Pollen Network. This page provides information regarding the monitoring of pollen in Islington.

What is Pollen?

The pollen grain is the structure used to transport the male gamete (i.e. male DNA) to the female part of the flower. Pollen grains are microscopic, usually about 15-100 microns. There are many different types of pollen, all with their own unique characteristics.

Most people are aware of the allergenic properties of pollen owing to the large number of people who suffer from the effects. However, you may not be aware that some types of pollen are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than others for example grass pollen is a well know allergen and is thought to affect 95% of hay fever suffers.

Information from the National Pollen Network suggests that about fifteen species known to cause allergic reactions are seen each year on the slides from the pollen traps in the UK. Most of these species are pollinated by wind and as such produce high quantities to increase the chances that some pollen reaches the flower.

How and where is pollen measured?

Islington's pollen trap is a particularly important site as it is the only one located in the centre of London. The pollen trap is located on the roof of Islington Town Hall. This enables the trap to sample ambient pollen sources gathered on the wind. The trap sucks air in through a slit at a rate of 10 litres per second. The pollen and other particles fall onto a prepared adhesive tape. The adhesive tape is mounted on to a rotating drum, which moves at a set rate. Every seven days the tape is replaced and the used tape is sent off to the National Pollen Research Centre for counting.

The trap monitors all main pollen types considered to be allergenic during the pollen season, between the months of March and September.

What is the National Pollen Network

Islington is part of the National Pollen Network in Britain. The system comprises thirty-three monitoring sites, which measure daily concentrations. The results are collated into a data bank and used by the National Pollen Research Unit to provide national forecasts for the media.