The National Aerobolic Surveillance Network warns that grass pollen, one of the most allergenic, will hit all French regions this week with a high degree of risk.
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| RNSA red alert in France for Pollen allergies |
The pollens have returned. And virtually the entire country is afflicted by the growth of pollen, particularly grass pollen, which is a genuine nightmare for allergy sufferers. The National Aerobolic Surveillance Network (RNSA) issued a red warning to 90 departments on Friday, May 26. On the map, the few departments that aren't red are mostly yellow, including Finistère, Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine, Mayenne, Orne, and Sarthe, which are mostly in the West.
"Grass pollen is becoming more powerful from the south to the north of the country and will affect all departments of France this week with a high level of allergy risk," says the RNSA in an updated statement issued on Monday. Who is to blame? Weather. Although the repeated rains in early May "could provide some relief to allergic people by plating the pollens on the ground," they "favored the growth and development of the grasses," according to the RNSA. The return of the light and rising temperatures will consequently "promote the emission and dispersion of high concentrations of grass pollen in the air."
According to the RNSA, over 25% of French citizens suffer from respiratory allergies. The first source is clearly pollen, and grass pollen is among the most allergenic pollens. Allergy sufferers will have to rely on the uncommon stormy showers that will traverse France for relief.