Increase in Aeroallergen, Allergy cases in the Texas Panhandle with a special reference to PM2.5 and Respiratory Ailments

The study of air quality and aerobiology is an important field and contributes to advancing the scientific body of knowledge and understanding the world around us. Capturing, identifying, and quantifying airborne particles are important to understanding air quality. Our research encompasses the High-Plains area in the Texas Panhandle and focuses on specific particulates including pollen, fungal spores and PM2.5. We conducted laboratory-controlled experiments using a fiberglass chamber and various air quality monitors to assess and evaluate PM2.5 concentrations. The exposed tapes from Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap were stained and mounted with Safranin-Gelvatol mixture and were observed using an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with FITC, TRITC filters, a mercury lamp source, a DP-74 digital camera. Aeroallergens were viewed, recorded and analyzed with CellSens software. Particulates in the air are categorized by source, size, and chemical composition. These airborne substances have various detrimental health effects. The particulate profile of the air fluctuates daily, can be distinct from one area to another, and can have synergistic impacts. It is important to understand how the environment can influence the emission and distribution of these ambient particulates and how subsequent changes in concentrations can affect human health. The Texas Panhandle-High Plains region is unique in topography, climate, ecology, and combination of various anthropogenic activities. Evaluating relationships between factors that influence air quality in the region will provide a better understanding of how it can affect residents, making way to develop predictive models to mitigate respiratory ailments for the betterment of human health and scientific advancement. We observed seasonal fluctuations of aeroallergens, such as pollen and mold spores, and fluctuations in patients' clinical visits for treatment to respiratory ailments throughout the year. We used the Burkard High Volumetric Spore Trap and RadNet ambient radionuclide-assessing unit to evaluate the levels of airborne particulates and emitted gamma radiation. We also used publicly available information systems and data sets to supplement and correlate the research findings.