allergies have begun, first peak expected early August

In this last week of July, allergies to ragweed will already begin to be bothered. As the plant continues to grow, it has been reported in bloom on two different botanical gardens (Lyon and Nancy). "Ambrosia will already be a nuisance in areas of full infestation for very sensitive people, but the risk will remain very low to low in the Rhone Valley between Lyon and Montelimar and Dauphine", says the National Network of Aerobiological Surveillance (RNSA). The predictive models predict the first peak of ragweed pollen between August 5 and 8.

The effects of ragweed on the body resemble those of hay fever. The symptoms and allergic signs are many and often unpleasant:

· Respiratory difficulties: asthma (coughing, shortness of breath …).

· Rhinitis: sneezing, runny nose …

· Conjunctivitis: red eyes, watery and which scratch

· Tracheitis: dry cough

· Other less common allergic reactions such as: urticaria, itching, pimples …

These symptoms cause general malaise, difficulty sleeping (apnea sleep), tiredness, stress, irritability, even penalizing concentration (work, etc.)

375 euros fine

Last year, France reinforced its fight against plant species harmful to human health, especially against ragweed. Two texts published in the Official Journal set various objectives. The first is an order, which aims to "limit or prohibit the introduction, transport, use, offer for sale, sale or purchase, in any form whatsoever, plant species harmful to health ". Thus, it is prohibited to introduce "intentionally on the national territory, including if only in transit" harmful plant species, "except for purposes of destruction". These toxic specimens may not be "used, traded or cultivated, in particular, for breeding purposes", nor may they be "disposed of on a fee-paying or expensive basis, including mixed with other species". These prohibitions apply to all individuals, but also to businesses.

A second text published in the Official Journal lists ambrosia artemisiifolia L., ragweed ambrosia psilostachya DC and ambrosia trifida L. . "The pollen of these plants causes severe allergic symptoms (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, urticaria …) and can cause the onset or worsening of asthma," says the decree. Thus, the fact of not complying with these prohibitions "constitutes an offense punishable by the fine provided for the contraventions of the fourth clbad" (135 euros, 375 euros maximum).

77 million people by 2050

In Europe, 33 million people are affected by an allergy to ragweed, a figure that should increase in the coming years. It could reach 77 million by 2050, according to the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. "The problem is likely to grow in countries that already face ambrosia, such as Hungary or the Balkan countries," says Dr. Lake, Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, responsible for a study on the issue, but the biggest increase in proportion will concern France, Poland and Germany. "

The fault of global warming, which allows the plant to gain a little ground each year to more northern regions, but not only. One-third of the spread is simply due to the natural expansion of ragweed, which is conquering new ecosystems. The fight against the plant, the pulling, will have an influence on the speed at which it will develop.

According to researchers' calculations, if effective measures are taken, the increase in the number of people affected could be limited to 52 million people. On the other hand, in the worst case scenario, pbadivity could increase that number to 107 million, or one in five Europeans. "A higher concentration of ragweed pollen and a longer exposure season may increase the severity of the symptoms," says Dr. Lake, "In France and northwestern Italy, they may appear more early in the season, from mid-July, and persist until mid-October. "