gironde-alerte-rouge-pollens

The Gironde is under red alert for pollen allergies!

undefined undefined 20 février 2025 undefined 09h00

The Editor

©Dragana Gordic

The National Network for Aerobiological Surveillance (RNSA) issued a red alert for pollen on February 16th in thirty departments across southern and western France, including Gironde. This warning signals the rise of spring allergies well before the official start of the season.

The Early Return of Pollen in Gironde

A surprising and dreaded phenomenon is shaking up the calm of early spring: the traditional pollen allergies. But this year, they are arriving much earlier than usual. The alert now concerns 30 departments, compared to just 10 the previous week.

The cause: the premature flowering of pollen from cypress and yew trees, mainly cypress, thuja, and junipers, whose concentration in the air is significantly increasing. Pollen from hazel and alder (from the birch family) is also making its presence known, particularly in the southwest and the center of the country.

An Explosive Concentration!

In the Gironde region, this red alert covers the entire department, highlighting a high risk of allergies due to the combination of cypress and deciduous tree pollen. With a mild, sunny, and breezy climate expected in the coming days, these conditions are perfect for spreading pollen in the air, increasing risks for sensitive individuals. The RNSA also warns about the rising concentration of hazel and alder pollen, a phenomenon especially prevalent in the southwest that directly affects the people of Gironde.

The recommendations from the RNSA are clear: avoid outdoor sports activities, rinse your hair after exposure to pollen, and ensure daily ventilation of living spaces for at least 10 minutes, even during intense pollen periods.