This year, we have another good reason to be excited about the pollen season.
Here is a quick overview on pollen, to give you the full brief on this new feature now available via API. Dive into a few use cases on how to use pollen data. Keep reading!
General Facts about Pollen: Info, Impact & Numbers
Basic info
Pollen comes from grass, weed or trees.
The process enables plants to “reproduce”, using the power of the wind to carry “male microgametophytes” of seed plants to germinate “female pistils”.
Different climates and plants create variations in the pollen seasons from countries to countries.
Impact of Pollen
Pollen grains are common allergens, small enough to be inhaled, causing inflammation and irritation in the nasal passage. Symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery eyes,
- Runny nose,
- Itchy throat
- Hives
- Fatigue
Pollen in Numbers
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:
- Nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States.
- Allergies are increasing. They affect as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children in the US.
- Allergic disease, including asthma, is the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. in people of all ages.
And this is only the United States. Pollen is an important issue in many countries across the world.
Interesting fact:
Japan is particularly affected by pollen and allergies due to important reforestation policies after World War II.
Pollen counts are now available in our air quality API!
Last year, we started to receive requests to add pollen from our clients, future clients, and from app users, especially asthmatic people. As you may know, we take client and user satisfaction very seriously, and pride ourselves in agile development.
After careful consideration, we added pollen to our R&D pipeline. A few months forward, and we now have pollen data live on our API!
Pollen levels are available via our API in Japan and in Europe. We provide pollen levels for trees, weed & grass.
Take a look at the pollen data live in this interactive air pollution map!
NB: pollen is seasonal, hence our API can return null data for several days to several months.
NB2: We plan on adding more countries later this year. –> Update: More countries added!
READ MORE
Pollen Use Cases: How Can Brands Use Pollen Data?
Pollen data can be used in many ways, integrated within consumer apps, products or marketing campaigns. We see air purifier companies, pharma groups and businesses targeting people with allergies or asthma as primary adopters. Most businesses willing to integrate air quality data or weather data might want to consider adding pollen information.
Adding pollen data to build smarter marketing campaigns smarter is a first use case:
- Target users with online ads, banners or landing pages displaying current pollen levels
- Showcase real-time pollen data on live billboards
Pollen can also be integrated into new and existing apps, wearables and products:
- Inform users on current pollen levels
- Create alerts when allergy risks are high
- Provide smart recommendations on when and where to enjoy time outdoors
- Create “allergy-safe” itineraries
- Make products (air purifiers, home filters) react to high pollen level
