Aerobiological monitoring applications in the Etnean volcanic plume evaluation (Mt. Etna, Sicily) and correlation with allergopathies

Autor: Santo La Delfa, Maria Timpanaro, Ferdinando Presti, Anna Maria Finocchiaro, Benedetto Diana, Giuseppe Patanè, Giovanni Tringali
Rok vydání: 2006
Předmět:
Zdroj: Aerobiologia. 22:285-293
ISSN: 1573-3025
0393-5965
DOI: 10.1007/s10453-006-9042-y
Popis: This paper describes the study of the application of a Hirst-type impact volumetric sampler (IVS) in the sampling of volcanic ash continuously emitted by Mt. Etna. This methodology is commonly used for measuring the atmospheric concentration of airborne pollen grains and fungal spores. This study was undertaken between April 2003 and January 2005, when a series of ash emissions occurred; moreover, during this period, namely on 7 September 2004, there was an eruption from various fractures located in the higher eastern flank of the volcano. The airborne volcanic ashes involving the lower south-eastern flank of Mt. Etna were monitored by means of an IVS stationed in the town of Acireale. In some people volcanic ash can trigger predisposing factors linked with allergens, and an allergic response may occur. After exposure, immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced and released into the bloodstream and they can, therefore, be identified by haematological analysis. In this study we compared the number of ash events recorded by our IVS and the number of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) values found in the population living on or near this volcano sector. A correlation was established between air pollution from volcanic ash and IgE values over a period of 22 months.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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