High levels of tree and weed pollen are currently affecting much of France, with the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA) reporting critical allergy risks across several regions. As of mid-May 2024, oak (chêne) pollen remains the primary allergen, while urticaceae and grass pollens are also contributing to elevated risk levels in the northern and central parts of the country.
Where is the allergy risk highest?
The RNSA has issued a high alert for pollen, with risk levels reaching 5 out of 5 in eight regions, including Brittany, Normandy, Hauts-de-France, and Île-de-France. In these areas, the concentration of oak pollen is particularly significant.
Other regions, including Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Corsica, Occitanie, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, face a level 4 risk. While these southern areas show a slight decline in urticaceae concentrations, the persistent presence of oak pollen maintains a substantial allergy threat.
Which pollens are currently active?
Oak pollen is the dominant allergen across France, with maximum indices recorded in the Centre-Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Pays de la Loire regions. According to pollen monitoring data, the situation is categorized as follows:
- Oak (Chêne): The primary driver of symptoms nationwide, thriving in current sunny conditions.
- Grasses (Graminées): These pose a moderate to high risk across the entire territory as the season progresses.
- Urticaceae: Concentrations are surging, particularly in the Grand Est and northern France.
- Mugwort (Armoise): Initial detections have been reported in the Hauts-de-France and Grand Est regions.
Why are pollen levels remaining high?
The current weather pattern is a major factor in the high pollen counts. Persistent sunny and warm conditions facilitate the release and dispersion of pollen grains. In the southeast, temperatures exceeding 35°C, combined with the mistral wind, have accelerated the movement of pollen over large distances. Because there has been a lack of significant rainfall, the atmosphere is not being "washed" of these allergens, allowing concentrations to remain at critical levels throughout the day.
How to reduce exposure to allergens
Medical experts and health authorities recommend several practical measures to manage symptoms during peak pollen periods:
- Vehicle safety: Keep car windows closed while driving and use the air conditioning in "recirculation" mode to prevent pollen from entering the cabin.
- Outdoor activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during the sunniest parts of the day when pollen release is highest.
- Personal hygiene: Rinse your hair in the evening to remove pollen particles that accumulate during the day.
- Laundry management: Do not dry clothes outside, as fabrics act as a trap for airborne allergens.
- Medical consultation: If symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or respiratory irritation persist, consult a healthcare professional to adjust your treatment plan.
The current forecast suggests that warm, dry weather will continue to favor pollen dispersion in the coming days. While a slight decrease in heat intensity is expected in the southeast, no significant rainfall is predicted in the immediate term to provide relief from the high atmospheric pollen load.
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