Polen atmosférico en las Rozas (Madrid)

We present the results of the airborne pollen content for one year (july 2008-june 2009) from the aerobiological station of Las Rozas (Madrid), belonging to the Palinocam Network. This is a strategic point due to its geographic situation and because it is representative of the most important population centres in the area northeast of Madrid. A total of 38 pollen types have been identified (19 from trees and 12 from herbs). There was a predominance of Quercus pollen, which represents 39.0% of the annual total, followed by Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (16.9%), Platanus (8.6%), Olea (6.8%) and Poaceae (5.3%). The concentrations obtained for the period in the study are high (62.319 grains a year) compared to other sampling points on the Palinocam Network. The highest concentrations of pollen occur in march, april and may, when 75.2% of the total pollen was recorded. In Las Rozas, the months of maximum risk for hay-fever sufferers are march (Cupressaceae/Taxaceae-Platanus), and may, when there are highly allergenic pollen types in the air such as Olea, Poaceae, Plantago, etc.