The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) has placed Saône-et-Loire and Nièvre on red alert for the risk of pollen allergies. One plant in particular is concerned: ragweed, responsible for symptoms in more than a million French people.
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Red Eyes and Cold Symptoms Alert: This Tuesday, August 27, the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) placed twelve departments, including Nièvre and Saône-et-Loire, on red alert for the risk of pollen allergies. The organization estimates that “Sunny, warm and windy weather will help disperse pollen into the air.”
A plant is responsible for this alert: ragweed. Coming from North America, it is recognizable by its reddish stem, covered in hairs. The National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) has described it as being very allergenic, since five pollen grains per cubic meter are enough to trigger symptoms.
Ragweed triggers allergies in over a million French people
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© CATHERINE AULAZ / MAXPPP
According to the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSESS), between 1 and 3.5 million French people are affected by ragweed allergy. This can cause various symptoms, ranging from inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes (conjunctivitis) and nasal mucosa, to sneezing and a runny nose.
French people are also victims of more severe forms, which can lead to respiratory problems and fatigue.
The risk is “red” for ragweed pollen allergies for Saône-et-Loire and Nièvre
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© RSNA
To relieve the symptoms, the Pasteur Institute gives some advice: for example, you should air your rooms at the end of the day to prevent grass from entering. You are also advised to wash your hair regularly to eliminate pollen before going to bed. Also, avoid sleeping with the window open.
When outdoors, find out about RNSA pollen alerts before going for a walk. And avoid cycling, especially during red alerts.
