ECU has partnered with AirHealth to modernise the way airborne pollen is recorded. Credit: iStock schulle77
In a major boost for hay fever and asthma sufferers, Edith Cowan University (ECU) is now home to Western Australia's only automatic pollen monitor, allowing more accurate pollen forecasts for the Perth metropolitan area.
The automated pollen monitoring system measures pollen levels in the air in near real time, which could be a game-changer for people with hay fever and asthma, allowing them to manage their exposure during spring and summer months.
Dr Mary Hanson from ECU's School of Science said ECU has partnered with AirHealth, the researchers behind the national pollen network and the Perth Pollen Count and Forecast Service, to modernise the way airborne pollen is recorded.
"Respiratory allergies such as hay fever and asthma can be caused by grass pollen in the spring and summer months, while others are susceptible to tree pollen," Dr Hanson said.
"Knowing what days are forecast to have high pollen levels can help at-risk people to minimise their exposure and manage their allergies."
The automated counter continuously samples the air, using holographic imaging to capture detailed pictures of airborne pollen grains. These images are then analysed by machine learning algorithms to identify the pollen species, with the data feeding into AirHealth's national forecasting model that helps millions of Australians in managing their respiratory health.
Dr Edwin Lampugnani, Chief Executive Officer at AirHealth said the technology would deliver critical local data for Perth and support better allergy management for those affected by hay fever and asthma.
"This device is a crucial part of any pollen forecast system," Dr Lampugnani said. "It provides real-world observations that help us generate and validate accurate forecasts, ensuring people can plan ahead and reduce their exposure on high-risk days.
"The Perth Pollen app provides daily forecasts to help the community stay informed about high pollen days. By logging symptoms in the app, community members contribute valuable data that helps researchers improve future forecasts for everyone."
With hay fever season now in full swing, Perth's above average rainfall during the winter months could mean allergy sufferers still have a testing time ahead.
"The combination of winter rainfall and mild early-spring temperatures has set the stage for grasses to flower more extensively in the coming weeks, which may lead to higher grass pollen levels," Dr Hanson said.
"Weather and environmental conditions can influence the severity of the pollen season, with rainfall, soil moisture and temperatures all influencing the time and duration of flowering and pollen release."
As part of a major public health initiative, the Victorian Government recently announced the installation of six new automated pollen counters across the state to enhance its world-leading Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecast System. These advanced monitors, which are the same as what is now at ECU, are replacing manual traps, helping to deliver more accurate and consistent data.
"Unlike manual methods, automated monitors can capture pollen levels at different times of the day, giving us a much clearer picture of how conditions change and when risks are highest," Dr Lampugnani said.
"Just like checking the weather helps people plan their day, pollen forecasts based on this data are an important tool to help with managing chronic illness."
The forecast can be seen at the Perth Pollen website.
