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People with allergies have probably noticed: the pollen arrived early this year. According to the bulletin and the map of the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network published on Tuesday February 21, 2023, 74 of the 96 metropolitan departments are placed at “high” risk of pollen circulation.
If you are one of the French people allergic to pollen, you are concerned because their return is taking place earlier than expected this year.
Mild weather in question in the early appearance of pollen
The main reason for this early appearance of pollen is due to the generally mild weather and temperatures that we are experiencing at the moment. The south of France is particularly affected, but not only. In total, more than 80 departments are on red alert, i.e. almost all of France, which has, it should be remembered, 96 departments.
“While waiting for the arrival of the first birch pollen, expected in about a month, the concentrations of alder and hazel pollen (which are from the same family, namely the Betulaceae family) will remain moderate with an allergy risk of high level in many departments on sunny days“says the RNSA bulletin.
More and more allergy sufferers
In addition to this early onset, the number of allergic people continues to increase from year to year. According to the latest official figures, the proportion of people with allergies has risen from 5 to 30% and could reach 50% by 2050. Global warming and air pollution are two causes regularly singled out for this situation. .
If you are allergic, here are some tips to limit your exposure, recalled at the end of the bulletin by the RNSA:
- “regularly consult the pollen vigilance map on our website;
- rinse your hair in the evening, ventilate at least 10 minutes a day before sunrise and after sunset;
- avoid drying clothes outside;
- keep car windows closed to prevent pollen from entering the passenger compartment;
- avoid outdoor sports activities that lead to overexposure to pollen;
- Also beware of air pollution, which can exacerbate pollen allergies in some large cities.