Rape Pollen, W203

The Rape plant is an annual/biennial growing up to 1.2m, with turnip-like flat leaves 10 to 30cm long, slick, and generally lobed. Unlike Turnips, they have no swollen root, only a thin taproot.The plant flowers from May to August, producing yellow cross-shaped flowers with four petals. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are primarily insect-pollinated. The plant is also self-fertilising. During the 3- to 4-week flowering period, the crop fields become a conspicuous part of the rural landscape, when bright-yellow flowers are produced and a characteristic odour from the released volatile organic compounds is evident.

The pollen grains are covered with sticky lipoidal substances which result in the grains sticking together. This reduces the ability of the pollen to be airborne for a significant period, and thus this pollen is usually a small fraction of the total atmospheric pollen load. It is possible that dead grains or fragments lacking the sticky coating could become airborne. Sickle-shaped pods containing tiny round seeds are produced.

Rape seed pollen (and related irritants) can induce asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. It is still unclear whether Rape pollen is a common cause of allergic symptoms, or whether volatile organic compounds from Rape are more frequently responsible for these symptoms.

• Postpone the process of testing immediately after paraclinical studies (roentgen, TC, MRI) and physiotherapy procedures. They can affect test results.

• We recommend avoiding physical activity prior to your examination.