SYDNEY, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers have developed an innovative mapping tool to help people manage pollen allergies by identifying areas with high concentrations of allergenic trees, Edith Cowan University (ECU) said on Wednesday.
The tool covers four major Australian cities, namely Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, where environments are rich in airborne allergens, particularly in urban settings, according to a press release of the university in Western Australia.
The visualization platform pinpoints "hotspot" areas with elevated tree pollen levels, enabling allergy sufferers to plan alternative routes and minimize exposure. Researchers also aim to enhance the project using artificial intelligence and machine learning to more accurately forecast pollen risks, the release said.
Green spaces offer great mental and physical health benefits, but for allergy sufferers, they can sometimes trigger unpleasant symptoms, said Mary Hanson, ECU aerobiology researcher and lead author of the study published in Urban Forestry and Urban Greening.
One in four Australians is affected by hay fever, with pollen-related respiratory issues more common in cities due to higher concentrations of aeroallergens, Hanson explained. In severe cases, exposure can trigger serious asthma attacks, including events like "thunderstorm asthma."
While grass pollen is the primary allergen, tree pollen plays a significant yet often overlooked role. The ECU project uses existing city council tree data and incorporates it into a freely accessible mapping program to offer a clearer picture of high-risk areas, Hanson said.
"If people are able to avoid those hotspots by making minor adjustments to their lifestyle, like taking a different route home, it could improve their quality of life," Hanson said.
A dedicated online portal for the Perth area is currently under development and will provide daily forecasts and allergen updates. ■
