The size of pollen varies significantly, ranging from about 2.5 microns to 200 microns.
Pollen grains are incredibly diverse in size, shape, and structure. This variation is largely dependent on the plant species that produces them. Under a microscope, you might observe knobs, spikes, craters, ridges, or a multitude of other features. The average size of allergy-producing pollen is approximately 25 microns (a micron is equal to 0.000039 inches). However, some pollen can be substantially smaller or larger.
Here's a breakdown of pollen size variations:
- Small Pollen: Can be as small as 2.5 microns.
- Average (Allergy-Producing) Pollen: Around 25 microns.
- Large Pollen: Can be as large as 200 microns.
This size variation influences how easily the pollen is dispersed by wind and, consequently, its allergenic potential. Smaller pollen grains tend to travel farther and are more likely to be inhaled, triggering allergic reactions.
In summary, pollen size is highly variable, with most allergy-producing pollen averaging around 25 microns, but the range extends from a few microns to several hundred.
