The aim of this presentation is to provide information for National Delegates of the countries intending to participate in the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games. This information concerns presentation of data on circulation of aeroallergens in the air of three Greek cities, Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion-Crete, selected for the preparation and holding of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games, from January to September 2004. The data come from long-term records of the above three cities; in addition, in 2004, the daily values are going to be presented.

The main idea of this presentation comes from the conclusions of a study performed by Katelaris et al. (27) in Australian Olympic athletes during their training for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The authors support that Olympic team officials and medical personnel need to adequately prepare Olympic athletes for the possibility of exposure to high pollen levels during this most important sporting event.

Aeroallergens are microscopically detected agents, pollen grains and fungi spores, dispersing in the air and inducing allergic manifestations to sensitized individuals. The aeroallergens studied in this presentation are the 10 major aeroallergens implicated in provocation of rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma worldwide. Sensitive athletes may encounter problems with allergic symptoms that could be devastating for them, while expecting peak performance after years of training and preparation.


This presentation aims to protect allergic athletes experiencing respiratory symptoms (Info) so as to ensure a pleasant sojourn for them and the ability to achieve peak performance. The number of athletes expected to come to Greece is about 10,500 plus 5,500 training and medical staff, and amongst them 4,000 are estimated to suffer from respiratory allergies. The intensity of allergic symptoms depends on the density of aeroallergen circulation and on the duration of exposure to them.(7,13) The treatment of respiratory allergy involves allergen avoidance and therapy with medication (12,15,27) (Info) included in the list of the International Olympic Committee for doping. (12,24),(Info)

The information provided by this study can also be useful for team staff, volunteers, members of the international media, guests and spectators.