About the SSA/SGA
Our Missions
- To investigate the effects of biological and anthropogenic air pollution on the health of humans and their environment in an interdisciplinary way, especially with regard to allergic diseases.
- To inform health providers and the public about allergic diseases and prevention.
- To bring together scientists from different fields and promote the interdisciplinary exchange and discussion in aerobiology, between botanists, microbiologists, chemists, meteorologists, environmental specialists, physicians, immunologists and politicians.
- To maintain the collaboration with international societies on Aerobiology
Our History
Yearly published pollen report by the Swiss working group for Aerobiology
The Swiss Working Group for Aerobiology
Between 1983 and 1993, the Swiss Working Group for Aerobiology established and operated a national pollen monitoring network. The intention was to establish a valid pollen calendar of trees and plants for the different climatic and geographical regions of Switzerland that were triggers for respiratory allergies. Yearly pollen reports of the measured pollen data were published and pollen forecasts for the media were produced.
In 1993, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) formally commissioned the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss the mandate to operate the National Pollen Monitoring Network (NAPOL, now SwissPollen) – which has been providing this service ever since.
Foundation of the Swiss Society of Aerobiology
In 1993 the Swiss Society of Aerobiology (SGA/SSA) was founded as the successor of the Working Group for Aerobiology.
Publication on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the SGA/SSA
Projects and working groups
Members of the SGA/SSA were first and co-authors of the factsheet “Pollen allergy and the impact of a changing climate” by the Swiss Academy of Scienses (SCNAT), published in 2024.
A selection of former projects of the SGA/SSA are: ragweed and invasive plants (occurrence in Switzerland and effect on health), “Electronic Symptom Diary” (for patients with allergic respiratory diseases), mould spores (influence on allergic diseases), and seroepidemiology (course and development of allergies in school leavers).
Members of the SGA/SSA have also participated in the SAPALDIA and SCARPOL studies, which have received worldwide attention and dealt with the effects of air pollutants including pollen grains on adults and children. Another working group was dedicated to the prevention of house dust mites. This work has resulted in the current information brochures with recommendations for remediation, such as encasing, etc. (the updated version is available from aha! Swiss Allergy Centre).
Any person and company interested in the interdisciplinary work and implementation of the goals of the society is invited to join and become a member.