The Lify-Air pollen measurement sensor in Nice
Building on its experience in measuring air quality in stadiums, the Health & Science Department at World Athletics has taken a new step in protecting the health of athletes.
Following the installation of a Kunak air quality sensor at the Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann stadium in Nice, a Lify-Air pollen measurement sensor has also been added, meaning athletes who use the stadium now have access to essential hyperlocal information to help them manage their respiratory health.
Exposure to airborne pollen is a health concern during outdoor sporting events and it poses a risk to large numbers of athletes who may suffer an allergic response. Asthma and related allergy symptoms are commonly reported by athletes after competing in endurance events. Almost half the runners questioned (47%) reported upper respiratory symptoms post marathon, illustrating the extent of respiratory issues during and after running events (Robson-Ansley et al. 2012).
A study conducted during the Comrades Marathon between 2014 and 2019 shows that respiratory disease (asthma, allergenic rhinitis) was the most frequent reported chronic disease (2.4%) (Brill et al. 2023).
Air pollution, greenhouse gases and global warming are the main causes of the increase in pollen allergy. Air pollution increases the allergen content of pollen and damages its surface, releasing more allergens (Gisler 2021) and likely exacerbating respiratory diseases experienced during the peak of the pollen season (Orellano et al. 2017). Consequently, the prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases among athletes can be viewed in the context of increased exposure to outdoor atmospheric pollutants (particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and allergens (Helenius et al. 1997). All of these factors cause changes in the flowering of plants and in the structure of pollen grains, resulting in a higher incidence of symptoms.
For allergic athletes, pollen and air quality information is the cornerstone of pollen allergy management. Pollen allergy bulletins and forecasts are the best way to limit their exposure to allergens, and to adapt their treatments to this level of exposure.
In order to address these requirements, they must understand the timing, quantity, and specific type of pollen they are exposed to or might be exposed to. It's very likely that airborne pollens are not evenly distributed over the territory due to differences in topography and vegetation, and that each athletics stadium therefore has its own specificity.
With this project, the Health & Science Department hopes that hyperlocal data recording will help to educate athletes about environmental risks and enable them to minimise their level of exposure and maintain optimum performance levels.
Air quality data monitoring in the Nice stadium is available here.
To consult pollen levels data, please visit: live-pollen.com.
