On 01/12/2014 06:31, Michael Bell wrote:
"Pollen filters" are fitted in car heating systems. 2 questions:-

1 Do they actually do what they say, catch the pollen?

They will catch some of it and brake dust and other particulates.

2) Can you brush/shake/back-blow such a filter to get the pollen out
*still alive* and able to fertilise?

Doubtful - the forced airflow will rapidly dessicate the pollen on the
filter and it loses viability after a few hours or days. The pollen
would have to be married with the right plant flower to work and that in
the UK would likely be a grass or a conifer with wind borne pollen.

It might be easier in Japan where vast amounts of cryptomeria pollen
accumulates inches deep on the pavement in spring.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hay_fever_in_Japan

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Regards,
Martin Brown