Ambrosia is making a comeback. The ragweed pollination peak should take place this week in Rhône-Alpes. The authorities are warning against this allergenic plant.
The pollen and hay fever season is over, but here’s the ragweed season. Air Rhône-Alpes and the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) are alerting to the presence of pollens from this plant in the Lyon region. The peak is expected to occur between August 9 and 12, with a higher probability around Thursday, August 11. In question, the high temperatures of the first half of July. Pollination usually takes place in the second half of August, but it varies locally depending in particular on weather conditions. This is why the north of Lyon risks being affected a little later than the areas further south.
Fight against this weed
About 13% of the inhabitants of the Rhône-Alpes region are susceptible to ragweed. This weed triggers allergic reactions like rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, hives or eczema. According to the Regional Health Agency, these consequences would generate public expenditure of more than 15 million euros per year. Pollination can continue until October, so it is important to guard against its effects. People with allergies can take antihistamines. If possible, they are also advised to avoid the most affected areas. At home, changing pillowcases often, and washing your hair after exposure also reduces your risk.
But the most effective is to act upstream and get rid of the plant itself as much as possible. For this, anyone who recognizes an ambrosia shoot, on his private land or in small quantities on public land, can pull it out. If the plants are present over a large area, it is better to report it on sites such as signaling-ambroisie.fr so that the authorities organize a grubbing-up, or chemical weeding.
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