Allergen Update
Saint John, New Brunswick
Predominant pollen:
The tree pollen seasons can fluctuate from year to year by as much as two to three weeks at this site due to the effect of weather. The pollen seasons described here try to cover the time when each can occur.
Acer sp.- The main maple season lasts approximately four weeks with counts ranging from low to moderate. The season can occur from early May to early June. There is an short early season at the end of March early April, which is highly affected by the weather. They may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are highly sensitized.
Alnus sp.- Alder season is very sporadic and varies from year to year due to the influence of weather and the number of species present. The first season, with low to high counts can occur from late March to late April. The second season, with significant counts, lasts approximately four weeks and can occur from early May to late) June. They are considered important allergens at these levels.
Betula sp.- The birch season with low to high counts can occur from mid-April to late June. The pollen season fluctuates by as much as three weeks from year to year. The birch look-a-likes' season lasts approximately four weeks, with counts in the low to high range, can occur from early May to early June.
Cupressaceae group- The cedars, junipers, and yews produce low to high counts lasting approximately four to five weeks and can occur from late March to mid-May. They are not considered to be important allergens.
Fraxinus sp.- The ash season lasts approximately four weeks with low to high counts and can occur from May to mid-June.
Fagus sp.- The beech produce low and moderate counts for a short season lasting one to two weeks from early May to early June. They may not cause reactions except in highly sensitized individuals.
Pinaceae group- The season for the pine, spruce and firs lasts at least more than one month and can occur from May to mid-July, depending on the weather. High counts are observed which may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitized.
Populus sp.- The poplar and aspen season with low to moderate,and occasional high counts, are observed from the end of March to mid-May and lasts approximately three weeks. May not cause allergic reactions at these levels except in highly sensitized individuals.
Quercus sp.- There are two seasons; one lasting approximately one week, with low to moderate counts and occuring early to mid-May. The main season lasts approximately two to three weeks and can occur from mid-May to mid-June. Weather has an effect on when the seasons will occur and how much pollen will be released. The oaks can be significant allergens.
Gramineae- The grass season starts mid-May to late August and moderate counts are observed from mid-June until late July.
Ambrosia sp.- Ragweed produces mostly low counts from mid-July until mid-October.
Predominant spores:
Diatrypaceae sp.- The spore counts are very sporadic and vary throughout the whole counting season. The highest counts are from the end of March to early October.
Leptosphaeria sp. & Leptosphaeria look-a-likes- These two are grouped together since they are in the same class of fungi and are similar microscopically. The season is May to the end of September with great fluctuations in counts from day to day. This is probably due to the effect of weather. The significant counts, which are mostly in the moderate range, may cause allergic reactions in highly sensitized individuals.
Erysephe (Oospora)- Powdery mildew - The season is from mid-April to the end of September. High counts are observed. They may not be of importance in causing allergies.
Caloplaca sp.- Low to moderate counts are observed from April to early October. May not be of any significance in causing allergic reactions.
Boletus sp.- Season is from June to mid-October with moderate to high counts. May be considered allergenic.
Coprinus sp.- High counts are observed from June to late October. Considered to be a significant allergen.
Ganoderma sp.- Very high counts are observed from mid-June to late fall. Considered to be a significant allergen.
Ustlaginales- The smuts produce low to high counts from June to late October.
Uredinales- The rusts produce low to moderate counts from late May to mid-October.
Fusarium sp.- Counts are very sporadic throughout the whole counting season. The majority of the season occurs from May to mid-October with some very high counts at this location. They are known to cause allergic reactions.
Aspergillus sp. & Penicillium sp.- Significant counts occur throughout the whole counting season with the highest counts occurring late summer and fall.
Alternaria sp.- Most of the significant counts are found from July to mid-October. Counts may not be high enough to cause allergic reactions except in highly sensitized individuals.
Cladosporium sp.- Found throughout the whole counting season. Low to moderate counts occur from March to June. The highest counts are observed from June to late fall.
Botrytis sp.- Counts are mostly in the low to high ranges from June to early October.
Helicomyces sp.- Counts fluctuate throughout the season with moderate to high counts from May to October. Allergenic properties are unknown.
Pithomyces sp.- Only low counts are observed from June to early October.
Epicoccum sp.- Mostly low counts are observed from June to mid-September. Some moderate counts are observed late September to mid-October. May not cause allergic reactions except in highly sensitized individuals.
Polythryncium sp.- Low to moderate counts are observed from July to late September.
Myxomycetes- Moderate counts are observed from late April to mid-October.
Last Updated: 13-March-2006
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