The purpose of this project was to investigate the effect of humidity and barometric pressure on the daily pollen count of trees, grasses and ragweed. These pollens are produced seasonally. Pollen counts were obtained by calling the Asthma Center. The humidity level and barometric pressures were obtained from a hygrometer and barometer. All data was obtained at noon daily from June 8, 1999 through September 30, 1999. An analysis of the data revealed that the effect of elevated humidity levels on lowering the pollen count on trees and grasses was demonstrated June 8, 1999 through June 18, 1999. Single barometric pressure readings each day showed no demonstrable changes in raising or lowering the pollen counts of trees and grasses during that same period of time. Single barometric pressure readings per day were insufficient to illustrate the pressure changes which occur throughout a twenty four hour period, and therefore the effect of such changes on the pollen counts of trees and grasses could not be demonstrated. A drought in July and August interfered with the data collected at that time. In September the ragweed pollen count was high but did not change much due to a persistent high humidity level associated with the period during which Hurricane Floyd occurred.

In conclusion, the hypothesis was not proven satisfactorily. The project should be repeated with four daily readings of the humidity and barometric pressure
to be more valid.