Over the weeks, more and more departments are concerned by this alert, in particular because of birch pollen.
Almost all of France on red alert. In recent weeks, the pollen allergy risk map, updated almost daily by the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA)never ceases to blush, a sign of an increasingly increased health impact.
Birch alert
At the end of March, this alert concerned the eastern part of the country, before progressing towards the center, then towards the coastal areas of the territory. To date, 68 departments in mainland France are thus placed in red, synonymous with a strong health impact, compared to 60 last week.
In addition, the rest of the departments are placed in yellow, i.e. a medium impact.
New departments such as Vendée, Charente-Maritime, Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan are now also affected by a pollen alert, in particular those of birch. It is also these pollens which are at the origin of the transition to red in the vast majority of French departments.
“Oak pollens are gaining strength but they are less allergenic than birches with a risk of allergy which will not exceed the average level”, underlines the RNSA in its updated bulletin on April 14.
“Grass, plantain and sorrel pollens are appearing and are present from west to east with a low to medium risk of allergy. ground”, is it also indicated.
Good behavior advice
In order to reduce the effects of pollen, the RNSA recommends several actions to adopt during this proliferation season. At home, it is recommended to rinse your hair at the end of the day and to air it about ten minutes before or after 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.