During 2015 we monitored the daily variations in Cupressaceae pollen dispersal. These data were distributed ten times to members of a registered e-mail, ‘Allergy service user-group’. At the same time, we also gathered data from non-users of the e-mail service. At the end of the pollen season, the data for percentages of allergy symptoms reported were compared and analysed for: A) individuals using the e-mail service: “the allergy registration group”, and B) individuals not using the e-mail service: “the non-registration group”. This has allowed a clearer understanding of the utility and usefulness of the e-mail service. In 2015 the overall concentration of airborne Cupressaceae was low, and a general fall in annual reports of allergy symptoms, was apparent both for groups A and B, with no significant differences between groups. Nevertheless, a secondary survey was also undertaken toevaluate user-satisfaction for the e-mail service; this had a 92.3% response with comments ranging from‘slightly’ to ‘very useful’. Demonstrating that a very high percentage of subscribers are actively using the service, and prompting the suggestion that, participating in the e-mail user group service, does raise patient awareness. It offers quick access to information on Cupressaceae pollen dispersal, and enables a clearer understanding of the positive effects of antigen medication therapy. Overall, it suggests that by using the e-mail service patient satisfaction level are raised.

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Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) pollen is a cause of autumn herbaceous pollinosis in Japan. We describe the results of a study on airborne pollen dispersal for this species by mobile air samplers. The study site selected is an area on the banks of the Arakawa River in Saitama City. Mobile air samplers were positioned, in three well-spaced sites, within the catchment area of windborne Ragweed pollen. Collected pollen samples were counted using an optical microscope. The results show that the number of pollen grains per sample is less in the samples collected further away from the Ragweed source. However, it was observed that the quantities of Giant Ragweed pollen grains in the atmosphere, were considerable enough to cause significant allergenic reactions in local pedestrians, and residents living within the study area. It was also noted that the rate of pollen dispersal for Giant Ragweed is significantly affected by wind speed and direction, local to the pollen source. We consider that, for effective control of autumn herbaceous pollinosis, further data from airborne autumn pollen counts are needed, as well as clinical analyses of the allergen contents released from Ragweed pollen.

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The reduction of the pollen amount of Cryptomeria japonica is required for controlling Japanese cedar pollinosis in Japan. Sydowia japonica is a fungal parasite of the male strobili of C. japonica. Spraying the male strobili with the conidial suspension of this fungus in November and December reduced the pollen amount of C. japonica by 3% and 17% of the control, respectively. These results suggest that the novel approach of preventing pollen dispersal using pollen-specific fungal infection is an effective measure for pollinosis prevention.

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