Unveiling hidden allergenic hotspots
A fine-scale, parameter-optimized approach for spatiotemporal mapping of urban allergenicity assessments
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21229646 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Carolin Trost (0009-0001-0260-3601, University of Augsburg, corresponding author), Thomas Rötzer (0000-0003-3780-7206, Technical University of Munich), Claudia Traidl‐Hoffmann (0000-0001-5085-5179, University of Augsburg), Maria Pilar Plaza (0000-0003-1192-2214, University of Augsburg) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 134 |
| Pages | 106927 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sustainable Cities and Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2210-6707 • E-ISSN: 2210-6715 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.scs.2025.106927 |
| OpenAlex | W4415897840 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 84 |
Evaluating allergenicity in urban environments is essential for understanding risks to allergy sufferers, improving urban planning, and strengthening climate resilience. In this study, we applied a modified Urban Green Zone Allergenicity Index (I UGZA ) to a pilot area in Augsburg, southern Germany, to assess spatial and temporal dynamics of allergenic exposure and identify opportunities for healthier cities. The index was adapted to local species composition, flowering periods, and sitespecific conditions, integrating tree inventory data and allometric parameters. To enhance ecological relevance, we additionally incorporated airborne pollen concentrations, temperature, and air pollution in combination with a climate impact adjustment model. Temporal dynamics were examined on seasonal, monthly, and daily scales. To explore spatial variability, the area was divided into equal sub-areas, each with I UGZA calculated using GIS, followed by the spatial interpolation method Inverse Distance Weighing (IDW) to generate continuous allergenicity heatmaps. A total of 1427 trees representing 66 species were analyzed, with approximately 35 % classified as allergenic, mainly from Betula and Corylus. The overall allergenic potential was relatively high (0.36). A sensitivity analysis revealed crown projection area as the strongest influence on allergenic potential, underscoring the role of morphological traits in allergen exposure. Allergenic peaks were observed in spring, coinciding with the flowering periods of dominant allergenic species, and temperature is the most relevant adjustment factor. The results highlight the importance of both spatial distribution and phenological timing in influencing allergenic potential. By integrating ecological, climatic, and morphological factors, this approach provides a flexible and transferable framework for improving allergenicity assessments at neighborhood and city scales, supporting public health strategies and climate-resilient urban planning
Impact of Light on Environment and Health · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Urban Green Space and Health
Air pollution removal by urban forests in Canada and its effect on air quality and human health
Green Infrastructure, Ecosystem Services, and Human Health
Effects of green space spatial pattern on land surface temperature
Cities are hotspots for threatened species
Nearby green space and human health
Tree pollen allergy risks and changes across scenarios in urban green spaces in Brussels, Belgium
Residential green space types, allergy symptoms and mental health in a cohort of tree pollen allergy patients
Mitigating urban heat island effects through leadership in energy and environmental design evaluation and blue-green infrastructure
Environmental risk assessment based on the allergenicity of urban green infrastructure
Neotropical urban forest allergenicity and ecosystem disservices can affect vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia
Association between air temperature exposure and childhood rhinitis risk, and the mediating role of ambient O3
Risk of mortality and disease attributable to the heat stress index and its variability during heat waves
Climate change, social environment, health, and urban inequality
Estimation of the Allergenic Potential of Urban Trees and Urban Parks
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |