The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has initiated the construction of a nationwide network of fully automated pollen monitors, aiming to provide more accurate and timely information for allergy sufferers. The project, announced Thursday, anticipates the installation of 16 such devices by 2027.
These monitors will generate pollen forecasts extending up to six days in advance, empowering individuals with allergies to better manage their medication and plan activities. The technology employed captures data on eight of the most common allergenic pollen varieties, including hazel, birch and grasses, alongside 26 other types. Functioning similarly to automated microscopes, the devices utilize artificial intelligence for pollen identification and analysis.
The investment, estimated at approximately two million euros, is projected to potentially recoup its costs within the first year. The DWD highlights the substantial economic burden associated with pollen allergies, currently estimated at around four billion euros annually.
Strategic placement of the monitors prioritizes urban areas with high concentrations of allergy sufferers. The network will encompass eight DWD regional offices and eight additional major urban areas. To further enhance coverage, the DWD is also exploring collaborations with other operators of pollen monitoring equipment.
