Validation of a new adhesive coating solution: comparative study of carbon tetrachloride and diethyl ether

Allergy is a public health problem that affects a significant part of the population. In Europe, pollen allergy is the most common form of seasonal allergic respiratory disease, and in Western Europe, nearly 20 % of the population currently suffers from an allergy to pollen (Thibaudon et al. in Rev Mal Respir 30(6):463–479, 2013). Epidemiological studies conducted in Europe and other parts of the world in the late twentieth century show that allergic diseases (i.e. rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, eczema) have almost tripled in the last 30 years. In order to measure the exposure of the European population to allergenic pollen, networks of pollen monitoring sites have been set up using standardised techniques. Hirst-type volumetric spore traps are routinely used to capture airborne pollen. The biological particles are impacted onto a transparent strip that is coated with an adhesive. However, due to regulations, some products are prohibited and are no longer produced, as is the case of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) commonly used as an adhesive. In this study, we examined the impaction efficiency of CCl4 and diethyl ether ((C2H5)2O) over several weeks. The results show that there is no significant difference between the two silicone solvents and that diethyl ether may replace CCl4 for coating the tape.