2023-05-05 06:00:06
The arrival of fine weather causes a strong dispersion of these pollens, which can sometimes be transported over tens of kilometers from the place of pollination.
Respite does not exist for allergy sufferers. In recent weeks, mainland France has been strongly affected by the omnipresence of birch pollen, to such an extent that the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) had placed more than two thirds of the territory in red color, synonymous with strong health impact. Since then, the birches have flowered, and this risk has been ruled out.
Now, thanks to fine weather, a new threat is hitting the most sensitive: grass pollen, which currently causes a risk of “medium to locally high level” allergy.
In detail, 18 departments of the metropolitan territory are now placed in red due to the circulation of these pollens.
18 departments in red
Particularly concerned, the south-east of the country, where eight departments, Isère, Drôme, Ardèche, Vaucluse, Gard, Hérault, Bouches-du-Rhône and Gard are affected by pollen from grasses.
Further west, the Breton departments of Morbihan, Côtes-d’Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine are also in red, as are Loire-Atlantique, Gironde, Vienne, Haute-Vienne and Correze. At the same time, the presence of oak pollen remains strong in these areas, causing an explosive cocktail in allergy sufferers.
According to the RNSA, it is the “mild, sunny and windy” days that favor the movement of grass pollen, which can sometimes travel tens of kilometers from the place of pollination. “Only the rare stormy showers can bring temporary respite to allergy sufferers”, it is indicated.
Note that the rest of the territory is always placed in yellow, synonymous with “medium” health impact.
Grass pollen travels far
In a statement of the RNSA devoted to grasses, it is recalled that these “are the herbaceous plants that we see growing along the roads, in the fields and even sometimes on the roundregardings.”
Among them, some are extremely allergenic, including “timothy, bluegrass, tares, cocksfoot, fescue, fluff, rye, oats, wheat.” They cause many eye, nasal, and even respiratory symptoms.
With the flowering getting earlier and earlier, seasonal allergies are getting worse. In 2023, an estimated 30% of the population suffers from allergies, and this might rise to 50% in 2050.
Life-saving gestures
As always, some uses can prevent allergies. At home, it is recommended to rinse your hair at the end of the day and to air it regarding ten minutes before or following sunrise or sunset.
It is also recommended to limit tobacco consumption and avoid the use of irritating or allergenic products (home fragrances, incense, etc.).
Outside, it is advisable to keep the windows closed in the car, not to dry your clothes in the open air, or to avoid activities that avoid overexposure to pollen, such as lawn mowing or sports activities.
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