The latest RNSA bulletin, published on May 11, shows an increase in the allergic risk of grasses throughout the country.
Hay fever once, hay fever forever? After the plane trees of last week, the grasses are entering the allergy race. According to the allergo – pollen bulletin of the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA), valid until May 18, grasses are taking hold.
The weather conditions at the start of the week allowed pollen from wheat, barley, rye and other reeds to spread throughout the country. The alternation of rain and sun in recent weeks has accelerated the proliferation of these herbs and the good weather of these few days disperses the pollens.
Twelve departments at maximum risk
The allergic risk linked to grass pollens will reach its maximum level in the Rhône valley, from Avignon to Lyon, going as far as Grenoble and in the South-West between Agen and Castres. In a large majority of France, from Rouen to Marseille, from Aquitaine to Franche-Comté, the risk will be high.
“Only the northernmost regions, Brittany, part of Normandy and high altitude areas will only be at average allergic risk”, explains in his bulletin, Michel Thibaudon, president of the RNSA.
The country divided in two
Good news for people allergic to oak pollen who live in the North of France, since the allergic risk will be low. While those who live in the southern part of the country will have to do with medium to locally high risk. The Alps and Pyrenees will be at low risk.
The days to come will bring a respite to those sensitive to other tree pollens. Birch, plane tree, cypress, ash and willow will indeed become more and more discreet with a very low risk locally.
The Mediterranean rim will see the first olive tree pollens appear, which will only have a low risk for the moment. While parieture pollens may cause an average allergic risk. Sorrel and plantain are represented throughout the country, they remain responsible for a locally low allergic risk.
Even if the rain announced in the coming days will limit the quantity of pollens, Michel Thibaudon recalls that “vigilance must remain important for allergic people”, since “each sunny day will be watered with grass pollens”.
Many symptoms
In France, according to the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), around 30% of the adult population and 20% of children suffer from allergies to pollen. Figures in constant progression for 20 years. Allergies mainly affect the nose, lungs, eyes and skin. They are most often manifested by strong sneezing, runny nose, tearing, redness and itching. In the most severe cases, the allergy can lead to asthma, rhinitis or conjunctivitis.
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