A Lagged Analysis of Pollen Concentrations and Their Impact on Common Allergic Diseases in a Coastal City of Northeastern China

This study examines the impact of airborne pollen on allergic diseases in a coastal city of Northeastern China during 2024. Results revealed a bimodal pollen distribution, with a primary peak in spring dominated by tree pollen (e.g., Pinaceae) and a secondary peak in late summer/autumn dominated by herbaceous plants (e.g., Artemisia). Pollen levels were significantly influenced by meteorological and pollution factors, showing a negative correlation with humidity and positive correlations with wind speed, PM₁₀, SO₂, and NO₂. Critically, pollen exposure was significantly associated with increased hospital visits for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, with distinct short-term lagged effects. The risk for allergic rhinitis peaked at lag 1 day, while the risk for conjunctivitis peaked at lag 3 days. We conclude that pollen concentration significantly influences allergic diseases with clear lagged effects, highlighting the necessity of pollen monitoring for public health warning systems.