Grass Pollen Alert Across France
Grass pollen will be 'very abundant in the air today,' the RNSA (national aerobiological monitoring network) warned on Tuesday. According to the organization's forecasts, the high concentration of grass pollen is expected to persist throughout the end of this week. Almost the entire country, except for a few northern and north-western departments, is at 'high' risk of pollen allergies.
Recent rains have temporarily reduced pollen concentration, but an increase is projected in the coming days. The Atlantic coast will first experience high pollen concentrations by Thursday, which will then spread to the central regions and almost the entire nation from Saturday to Monday. The RNSA indicated that the risk of grass pollen allergies will remain high for several weeks before subsiding by the end of June.
Strategies to Mitigate Pollen Allergies
Air pollution can exacerbate the risk of pollen allergies in urban areas. Grass pollens such as timothy, bluegrass, ryegrass, cocksfoot, and fescue are among the most allergenic, particularly around roads, fields, and roundabouts. To avoid symptoms like a runny nose or itchy eyes, it's crucial for individuals to take preventive measures. For example, rinsing hair in the evening, ventilating homes at specific times, avoiding outdoor drying of laundry, keeping car windows closed, and refraining from outdoor sporting activities can help minimize exposure.
Additional information from the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) indicates a similar trend throughout May. The combination of rainfall and short sunny periods has promoted the growth and development of grasses, increasing the risk of pollen allergies. Nine departments from Brittany to the North via Normandy are currently at a medium risk. Approximately one-third of the 20 million people suffering from allergies in France are affected by pollen. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that, due to global warming and pollution, half of the world's population will suffer from allergies by 2050.
- The forecasts from the RNSA emphasize that this year's grass pollen season is particularly severe due to the unique weather conditions.
- The relative heat observed in recent days has intensified the situation. Notably, southern France is also experiencing a 'medium' risk of allergies to oak, olive, and urticaceae pollen.
