ALLERSHIELD Continuous Pollen Monitoring in the Area of Banja Luka Starts in January 2026

The AllerShield project has entered a key phase of implementation with the completion of the procurement and installation of modern equipment for continuous monitoring of airborne pollen concentrations. This marks the successful achievement of one of the project’s most important milestones, ensuring that all necessary technical and human resource prerequisites are in place for the system to become fully operational.

In addition to the installation of the equipment, specialized training was conducted for the staff responsible for operating the devices, pollen sampling, analysis, data processing, and quality control of the obtained results. The training also covered the application of standardized procedures, ensuring a high level of data reliability and comparability in line with relevant professional and scientific practices.

Continuous pollen monitoring in the area of Banja Luka will begin in January 2026, with the system established at three carefully selected locations representing different urban and microclimatic conditions (the University of Banja Luka Campus, Terme Banja Luka, and the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Srpska). This approach enables the identification of spatial and temporal trends in allergenic pollen concentrations, which have not previously been systematically monitored at the local level.

The importance of establishing such a monitoring system is multifaceted. The collected data will:

• enable timely information for the public, particularly for individuals suffering from seasonal allergies,
• provide a basis for an early warning system during periods of elevated pollen concentrations,
• offer valuable support to healthcare institutions in planning preventive and therapeutic measures,
• contribute to scientific research and a better understanding of the influence of climatic and urban factors on the occurrence and intensity of pollen seasons,
• serve as a relevant tool for decision-makers in the fields of environmental management and public health.

In this way, the AllerShield project lays the foundation for long-term, systematic monitoring of aerobiological parameters in Banja Luka and represents a significant step forward in improving quality of life and protecting public health.