The situation is increasingly complicated for allergy sufferers. Last week, the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) indicated that 32 of the departments of metropolitan France were placed on red alert, synonymous with a “high” health impact due to the risk of allergies to pollen. A dynamic favored by spring weather in much of the country.
birch alert
Six days later, in a new update of that surveillance carried out on Wednesday, 60 of the metropolitan departments are now placed in red by the RNSA. The other 36 remaining departments are at least in “medium” health impact, in yellow.
Geographically, the area in question includes all the departments in the east of the country with the exception of Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes, which remain in yellow.
From the Mediterranean coast to the northern departments via Alsace, Normandy and the Paris region, the departments are in the highest category of the classification.
According to a press release accompanying the surveillance, the RNSA indicates that it is birch pollen that currently represents “a high risk” in the north of the country, as well as hornbeam pollen, which is from the same family. Thanks to the good weather, it is from the end of March to the end of April when these pollens are most present. In addition, ash pollen is still abundant in this same area.
Farther south, around the Mediterranean, it is a “pollen cocktail from Cupressaceae-Taxaceae (cypress), banana, oak and parietaria (Urticaceae)” that bothers allergy sufferers.
gestures of good conduct
To reduce the effects of pollen, the RNSA recommends several actions to be taken during this proliferation season. At home, it is recommended to rinse your hair at the end of the day and air it about ten minutes before or after sunrise or sunset.
It is also recommended to limit the consumption of tobacco and avoid the use of irritating or allergenic products (home fragrances, incense, etc.).
Outside, it is advisable to keep the car windows closed, not to dry clothes in the open air, or to avoid activities that avoid overexposure to pollen, such as mowing the lawn or doing sports.
Source: BFM TV
