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At 10–100 µm, pollen grains are significantly larger than typical fine particulate matter (PM2.5 = less than 2.5 µm, PM10 = less than 10 µm). This means that the particulates in the air-Q reports an elevated PM10 value and thus reacts to some pollen, but cannot distinguish between pollen, road dust, and other coarse particles.
When it comes to allergies, so-called pollen fragments are even more significant than whole pollen grains: When it rains or humidity is high, pollen grains burst open and release fragments that are 0.5–5 µm in size—falling within the PM2.5 range. These fragments are highly allergenic and often trigger severe reactions and asthma attacks.
The air-Q detects these pollen fragments. However, it is important to note that it cannot distinguish between different types of pollen.
For comparison, here are some common allergenic pollens:
Forget-me-not (Myosotis) – 10–12 µm
Birch - 20–25 µm
Grasses - 25–35 µm
Rye - 70–90 µm
Hazel - 20–30 µm
Alder - 20–30 µm
Mugwort - 18–25 µm
Ragweed - 18–22 µm
