Assessment of airborne soy-hull allergen (Gly m 1) in the Port of Ancona, Italy

Summary Background: Epidemic asthma outbreaks are potentially a very high-risk medical situation in seaport towns where large volumes of soybean are loaded and unloaded. Airborne allergen assessment plays a pivotal role in evaluating the resulting environmental pollution. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the airborne Gly m 1 allergen level in the seaport of Ancona in order assess the soybean-specific allergenic risk for the city. Methods: Allergen and PM10 were evaluated at progressive distances from the port area. Allergen analysis was performed by monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay on the sampled filters. Daily meteorological data were obtained from the local meteorological station. For estimating the assimilative capacity of the atmosphere, an approach based on dispersive ventilation coefficient was tried. Results: The allergen concentrations detected were low (range=0,4–171 ng/m3). A decreasing gradient of the airborne allergen from the unloading area (22,1±41,2 ng/m3) to the control area (0,6±0,7 ng/m3) was detected. The concentration of the airborne Gly m 1 was not coupled with the presence of the soy-carrying ships in the port. A statistically significant relationship between airborne allergen, PM10 and local meteorological parameters quantifies the association with the atmospheric condition. Conclusion: Airborne Gly m 1 is part of the atmospheric dust of Ancona. The low level of this allergen seems consistent with the absence of asthma epidemic outbreak.