The NPARU is part of the Institute of Health, Social Care and Psychology

The work of the unit

For outdoors the work includes:

• Co-ordinating the National Pollen Network.
• National Pollen Forecasts for television, radio, newspapers, etc.
• Long range forecasts of pollen seasons for pharmaceutical companies and health care businesses.
• Quality control exercises for National Pollen Monitoring.
• Providing pollen data for clinical trials.
• Providing training in pollen monitoring both in the UK and abroad.
• Joint research projects on aspects of bioaerosols, aeroallergens and health.
  
• Research projects about pollen monitoring, dispersal, forecasting and pollen allergens on small particles.

For indoors the work includes:

• Indoor air quality, including air sampling service.
• Testing filters, air purifiers, ionisers and other devices.
• Research on reduction of allergens indoors including house dust mites, cat and dog allergen.
• Research students working on aspects of fungal spores and health and non-biological particles and health.

General work includes:

• Scientific trials of products to reduce allergens such as anti-allergy bedding.
• Scientific trials of hayfever remedies.
• Public relations and media work for pharmaceutical companies and health care businesses.
• Organising conferences and meetings for GP's and Scientists.
• Conference presentations.
• Providing text and figures for consumer leaflets and posters.
• Forensic work: analysis of pollen in honey; analysis of soil samples; analysis of pollen in paintings to determine where they were painted.
• International links with similar research units in Europe. Joint research projects are in progress.